A strong start in Latvia

We were worried that this relatively low key away trip could turn out to be a banana skin for the Girondins, but the boys handled the danger perfectly. Bordeaux made an ideal start to their 2018-2019 season in Ventspils, Latvia.  With a team virtually unchanged from that which drew 1-1 with Union Berlin last week, the Girondins de Bordeaux put in a serious, disciplined 90 minutes. It proved to be a memorable occasion for Zaydou Youssouf, as the young midfielder scored his first ever goal for Bordeaux with a superb free kick, buried in the top left corner in just the third minute of play. A perfect start for the Girondins. After a rough and ready first half (20 fouls, 10 apiece), the template for this match was clear. Ventspils were hard-working and highly-motivated, but the Girondins stayed focused and quickly stifled their attacks. Jules Koundé and Lukas Lerager put paid to Ventspils' best chances in the 10th and 34th minutes. Venstpils' Montenegrin coach made a bold tactical move at half time, taking off captain Rugins for Portuguese midfielder Mendes. But the second half was much like the first, with far too many fouls (4 yellow cards, including Kamano and Koundé for Bordeaux), a few half-chances for Ventspils and the Girondins keeping things under control and cruising towards a well-earned victory. It was a memorable day for Aurélien Tchouaméni too, the young player making his professional debut with the Girondins. An excellent result for Gus Poyet's team, ahead of the return leg at the Matmut ATLANTIQUE next Thursday at 20:45.