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Girondins beaten in Monaco [2-1]
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Titre 2
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Monaco got proceedings under way at Stade Louis II, and Leonardo Jardim's side were keen to stamp their authority on this match from the outset. Rony Lopes (6’) and Fabinho (7’) both had early attempts blocked by the Bordeaux defence.  Monaco made good use of their pace down the flanks, floating in crosses which kept Benoît Costil occupied. The hosts came very close to opening the score in the 16th minute, when Jovetic connected with a superbly-placed long ball from Fabinho. The Montenegro international missed the target by a whisker. Monaco continued to push hard in midfield, preventing Bordeaux from settling into any rhythm. In the 27th minute, Ghezzal rattled the crossbar with a powerful shot. Three minutes later Jules Koundé came on to replace Pablo, visibly struggling with a hamstring problem (30’). Moments later, Youssouf Sabaly charged down the right wing and fired in a low-flying cross for Valentin Vada. The Argentinean's first-touch shot beat Subasic and buried itself in the top corner! A superb attacking movement, handing Bordeaux the lead from their first shot of the game! (0-1, 33’) The Girondins' efficiency in front of goal was in stark contrast to Monaco's efforts. The hosts had two more huge chances, but neither Lemar (34’) nor Jovetic (37’) was able to make all that pressure count. After another superb save by Benoît Costil to deny Jovetic (40’), the Girondins were confident of hanging onto their lead at half-time. But the indefatigable Jovetic had other plans, and finally got the better of Costil in the dying seconds of the first period (1-1, 45’). Both sides returned from the break looking for a winner, and the pace remained intense. Monaco dominated possession, forcing Bordeaux to defend and wait for the opportunity to counter-attack. Monaco's pressure finally paid off when Sidibé delivered a perfect ball for Rony Lopes inside the box, who slotted his shot past Costil to put the hosts ahead for the first time this evening (2-1, 69’). Bordeaux threw everything they had into the search for an equaliser, but ran up against a solid and well-organised defence. Nicolas De Préville tried his luck from the edge of the box, but his shot ricocheted off a defender (76’). Martin Braithwaite had two shots turned away (79’ and 84’), and kept plugging away in front of goal. But in the end Leonardo Jardim's side held firm, seeing out the final minutes and racking up three more points. Monaco were the stronger side this evening, despite an energetic and committed performance from the Girondins.