Girondins 2-1 Mariupol

Coming into this game with a comfortable advantage thanks to last week's victory in Ukraine, the Girondins were never content to sit back and defend their lead. Constanly probing and pushing forward, Bordeaux almost took the lead in the very first minute. Pablo's effort was disallowed, and a few minutes later it was Younousse Sankharé's turn to test the keeper. The Girondins were well in control of this game, sitting deep and seizing the opportunities offered up by Mariupol. In the 10th minute Pablo headed down for Igor Lewczuk at the back post, but the Pole was just a second too late. Next up was Nicolas De Préville, who couldn't quite make it through the Mariupol defence. The Girondins had practically nothing to do at the back in the first half, with Mariupol's attacking efforts reduced to a single shot by Myshnov (35') which Benoît Costil easily stopped. Things kicked up a gear in the second half, as the Girondins returned with a renewed sense of purpose. Mariupol came close to scoring (51'), but once again Benoît Costil had it covered. Two minutes later (53'), François Kamano hooked the ball back for Maxime Poundjé to smash it into the back of the net (1-0). The Girondins were on a roll, and followed up with a second goal barely two minutes later (55'). François Kamano charged down the wing and chipped the ball towards the waiting head of Younousse Sankharé (2-0). Ten minutes later Mariupol reduced the margin, with Fomin scoring from a free kick (2-1). Bordeaux kept their cool and saw out the rest of the game without incident. Poyet sent on Aurélien Tchouaméni and Valentin Vada (61') to control the final half hour, and gave Jaroslav Plasil a late run out (87'). Nicolas De Préville had a decent chance to make it 3-1, but couldn't quite make it count (82'). Next stop Belgium, for the final qualifying game against Gent!