Corps de texte
Gus Poyet lost their last game on home turf, against Rennes three weeks ago, so turned up this evening determined to reassert their dominance at Fortress Matmut!
The game kicked off at 8pm, and the Girondins set out to regain confidence and put an end to their poor run of form.
First half: two for Kamano
The tone was set in the opening minutes, with both sides getting stuck in straight away. The tackles were rugged, the pace high. Lille set out a high defensive line, looking to press forward and dominate possession.
In the 13th minute, just as the game seemed to be settling into a less frantic rhythm, Soualiho Meïté failed to control the ball on the touchline. The ball rolled loose, and Lille pounced:. Benzia nudged it forward for Malcuit, whose cross found Mothiba waiting in the middle. Goal (0-1).
Bordeaux were shell-shocked by this sudden turn of events, but still dominated possession. With nothing to show for it.
20 minutes passed, and the Girondins were visibly struggling. Up front, François Kamano, Martin Braithwaite and Malcom were having no luck at all breaking down the visitors' defence.
With thirty minutes on the clock, the situation was all too familiar and the flaws which have blighted Bordeaux in recent weeks were plain to see. The players were unable to click into gear, somehow lacking the unity and cohesion they so desperately needed.
Ultimately, the glimmer of hope came from one of the team's youngest stars: François Kamano smashed in from inside the box to draw the Girondins level! Credit must also go to Malcom for the excellent assist (1-1, 42').
Barely two minutes later, Kamano struck again. Martin Braithwaite fired in a low-flying cross, Kamano pounced and gave Bordeaux the lead! (2-1, 45').
For the first time in a long time, Girondins were in the lead at half time. Despite their lacklustre start, faced with the youth and energy of Lille, Bordeaux were back in control.
Second half: get the result
The Girondins looked different in the second half: motivated, concentrated, disciplined. The sizeable home crowd clearly had something to do with that. The Virage Sud led the way, as the crowd of 26,406 roared their support! As always, Bordeaux's Uruguayan coach lent his voice to the chorus as he barked instructions and encouragement from the technical area.
Making his 40th appearance for Bordeaux, Younousse Sankharé came on for Soualiho Meïté at half time, bringing some added heft and confidence to midfield. His cool head and quick thinking on the ball kept the Girondins' pacy strikers supplied with good balls.
As always, Jaro Plasil, Bordeaux legend and former LOSC player, gave 100% in every challenge, pass and run.
Man of the hour François Kamano was subbed off for Nicolas De Préville, leaving the field to a resounding ovation and a warm reception from the coach (2-1, 69').
The battle continued to rage in midfield, and when play was stopped briefly for an injury the Girondins gathered on the touchline for a tactical briefing from Gus Poyet. They looked more solid and impenetrable than ever in the closing stages of the game.
With 10 minutes left to play, the Girondins decided to keep hold of the ball and run down the clock. This victory was crucial, and they weren't about to let it slip away.
Special mention must go to Jules Koundé, who put in another assured performance. Still just 19, he was solid and decisive at the back and confident on the counter.
The rain started falling again a few minutes before the end, but that didn't stop LOSC boss Christophe Galtier stalking the touchline in an attempt to galvanise his team.
Game over! The crowd roared! After a run of six matches without a victory, the Girondins de Bordeaux returned to winning ways at the Matmut ATLANTIQUE. A crucial victory for the boys in blue, who will go into their next game against Montpellier with a spring in their step.
