Bordeaux beat Lyon at the Matmut ATLANTIQUE ! [3-1]

Bruno Génésio's Lyon side won the toss and kicked off, with the pressure riding on this game evident from the opening exchanges. The tackles were soon flying in midfield, with neither side prepared to concede possession. The two sides appeared to cancel each other out in the first ten minutes, although the Girondins got their first sight of goal following a well-placed acceleration from Malcom and a subsequent free kick (9’). Bordeaux kept on pushing forward, and in the 22nd minute Nicolas De Préville's efforts were rewarded with a goal! The number 12 neatly placed his left-footed shot beyond the reach of Lopes, the culmination of a rapid counter-attacking movement led by Laborde, Malcom and Meïté ! (1-0 to Bordeaux, 22’). A few short minutes later it was Malcom's turn to show off his speed and technical capacities. He dribbled past two defenders before he was pulled down inside the box by Morel and duly awarded a penalty. Malcolm went left, Lopes went right: 2-0 ! (26’) Lyon enjoyed a spell of possession, but never looked much like scoring. Bordeaux's midfield worked hard to track back, and the central defensive pairing of Pablo and Koundé proved to be impenetrable. Poyet's tactical vision was clear: a team prepared to sit back and wait for the chance to launch lightning-quick counter-attacks. The new coach was counting on his team's pace to make the difference, and so far that bet was paying off. But the game was far from over. Marcelo connected with Fékir's corner to reduce Bordeaux's lead just before half-time (2-1, 44’).   Not to worry, the next Bordeaux counter-attack was never far away! Maxime Poundjé, launched at full speed, was hauled down by Lopes inside the box. Another penalty. This time Gaëtan Laborde stepped up, smashing the ball straight down the middle and into the back of the net! (3-1 to the Girondins 45 + 2’). Lyon made two changes at half time, brining on Depay for Tousart and Tete for Raphaël. The second half was every bit as intense as the first, but Bordeaux remained focused and well-organised. Their clinical, pragmatic style of play left little for Lyon to work with. Gaëtan Laborde made way for Younousse Sankharé, after a fine performance. The 29 310 fans gathered in the Matmut ATLANTIQUE roared their support Lyon were moving the ball around well in midfield, and the attacks were becoming increasingly threatening. Otavia, caught off-balance, brought down Fekir and was shown a second yellow card (76’). Bordeaux were down to ten men with 15 minutes left to play, but they dug their heels in and held on. With just a few minutes left to play, the 29 310 fans gathered in the Matmut ATLANTIQUE roared their support for the Girondins. The Virage Sud was on the verge of exploding. Gus Poyet's team refused to let their guard down, holding on tight for the five minutes of added time. After one last fruitless attack from the visitors, the referee blew the final whistle. An impressive performance and a much-needed win for the Girondins de Bordeaux, taking us back up into the top half of the table.