A big sigh of relief! [0-1]

The Girondins wasted no time! In the very first minute Malcom floated a free kick onto the head of Gaëtan Laborde. Troyes keeper Samassa punched it away. The tone was set. Troyes were forced to make a substitution in the 8th minute, with Hérelle replaced by Vizcarrondo. The hosts turned up the pressure, and won a penalty which Benoît Costil saved (12’) ! For once luck was on our side! Gaëtan Laborde tried again with his head, Samassa had it covered. (14’) Malcom was soon back on the attack, bursting down the right wing and firing in a cross for Gaëtan Laborde at the back post. Goal! (16’, 0-1) Bordeaux were dominant, concentrated and determined. Suk's shot was stopped by Benoît Costil (22’). The Girondins seized every opportunity, and Soualiho Meïté saw a decent shot blocked by Samassa (31’).   The Girondins looked just as fresh in the second half, fighting hard in midfield. Here was the Bordeaux we had been waiting so long to see! Just the response we needed after this week's criticisms. Paul Baysse and Maxime Poundjé combined to take the ball off Suk (55’). Grandsir came on for Khaoui (56’). The Girondins stayed strong as the hosts picked up the pace in search of a goal. Suk had a good chance with a header, but put it wide (63’). Bordeaux looked solid at the back, but also promising on the counter. With fifteen minutes left to play, Gaëtan Laborde made way for Nicolas De Préville (75’). Jérémy Toulalan put in a huge performance in the middle. He delivered a superb through ball for Nicolas De Préville, whose shot was stopped by Samassa (78’). Jocelyn Gourvennec made another change, bringing off Malcom for Zaydou Youssouf (85’).   Time was ticking away and that suited the Girondins just fine. So did Niane's wayward attempt at a late shot (87’). Younousse Sankharé was replaced by Théo Pellenard in stoppage time. Victory for the Girondins, thanks to a solid, pragmatic performance.