Corps de texte
As per tradition, the Girondins kicked off the new year with the 3rd round of the Coupe de France. Travelling to Granville, a team with a history of cup upsets, Bordeaux knew they could not afford to be complacent.
Benoît Costil saves the day
Right from the get-go, the pressure was on for the Girondins. The little stadium was packed, the hosts had experience of giant-killing in the cup and the violent coastal winds made moving the ball around difficult. Perhaps the wind was to blame for the mysterious penalty awarded by Mr. Léonard in the 10th minute? It was certainly nothing to do with Théo Pellenard. Fortunately, Benoît Costil went the right way to repel Douniama's shot (10’).
Bordeaux react, Granville still dangerous
Visibly struggling against the wind, the Girondins were having trouble playing their usual passing game. They gradually began to adapt to the conditions, and eventually created their first chance on goal. Jérémy Toulalan's long shot scraped off the outside of the post (20’). Granville continued to threaten, and the match picked up pace. Vieira (28’) and Douniama (31’) both drew excellent saves from Costil, and Robin Théault narrowly missed a decent cross to the back post (29’).
Younousse Sankharé scores
The Girondins held on tight and waited for their chance to attack. Younousse Sankharé (32’) and Youssouf Sabaly (36’) tested Granville keeper Daoudou with long shots. Third time lucky. Malcom laid off for Lukas Lerager, who delivered a perfect cross for Younousse to smash in a diving header at the back post (0-1, 37’). 7th goal of the season for the Senegal international. Granville tried their best to fight back immediately, but Bordeaux were still 1-0 up at the break. A tough break for the hosts who, in all honesty, had created more chances in the first half.
Bordeaux in control
With the wind now in their favour, the Girondins went on the attack and created more chances. Lukas Lerager connected with an excellent cross from Younousse Sankharé, but put his shot over the bar (49’). Malcom also missed the target from a free kick (52’). Granville never gave up, and played some very attractive football at times. They had their fair share of chances, but Koundé and Pellenard were impeccable in central defence.
Bordeaux spurn chances to finish the job
Bordeaux were much more in control of the game in the second half, creating a lot more chances on goal than Granville. Nicolas de Préville missed two oportunities to put Bordeaux out of danger. The first came when he latched onto a pass from Younousse Sankharé, but failed to control his shot (62’). He had another attempt from a tight angle barely a minute later, but Daoudou had it covered (63’). The Girondins were still ahead, but only just.
Bordeaux down to ten men, Granville equalise… ten seconds before the end!
The stadium came alive every time Granville got the ball, but Bordeaux were still in control as the end came into sight. François Kamano, brought on to replace Malcom, came within a whisker of extending the lead (80’). Nicolas De Préville, who had worked tirelessly all afternoon, saw another shot stopped by the keeper (83’). The Girondins were still in the lead, but the tension went up a notch when Youssouf Sabaly was sent off for two bookable offences (69’ & 86’). Jocelyn Gourvennec responded by bringing on Thomas Carrique. Bordeaux held on tight… until ten seconds before the end. The ball was fired into the box, where Douniama pulled it back for Martinet to smash past Benoît Costil (1-1, 90’+4). Extra time.
Another penalty, another red card, another goal 2-1 !
Granville were clearly beginning to get tired, and resorted to long balls as extra time progressed. Bordeaux kept trying to make their domination count, but unfortunately neither Nicolas De Préville (92’ & 93’) nor Jaroslav Plasil (93’) converted their chances. And then the referee decided that Thomas Carrique had pulled down Douniama inside the box. Another penalty, another red card (102’)! This time Douniama got it right, and put Granville into the lead (2-1, 103’).
Girondins fall to pieces
Trailing by 2 goals to 1 and now down to 9 men, the Girondins threw everything they had left at Granville. But the hosts were happy to sit back and protect their advantage. And then Mr. Léonard struck again: a red card for Jaroslav Plasil (110’), apparently for insubordination. Bordeaux were down to eight players, and all chances of a comeback seemed to evaporate… The boys in blue kept on pushing forward, but qualification was now well and truly out of reach. Benoît Costil made one last save to deny Vieira (119’), before the Girondins' nightmare finally came to an end. With two penalties and three red cards, the odds were stacked against Bordeaux this afternoon.
Match stats
US Granville - FC Girondins de Bordeaux : 1-1
Coupe de France 3rd round - Stade Louis Dior - attendance 3000.
Goals - Granville : Martinet (90’+4), Douniama (103’) - Bordeaux : Sankharé (37’)
Bookings - Granville : Gace (5’), Beaulieu (43’), Benyhaya (51’) - Bordeaux : Sankharé (60’), Malcom (69’), Sabaly (69’ & 86’)
Red cards - Bordeaux : Sabaly (86’), Carrique (102’) & Plasil (110’).
US Granville : Daoudou - Connan, Benyhaya, Gace, Barbier (Cucu, 72’) - Vieira, Beaulieu - Théault R. (Martinet, 82’), Théault T. (Camara, 77’), Blondel - Douniama.
FC Girondins de Bordeaux : Costil - Sabaly, Koundé, Pellenard, Poundjé - Lerager, Toulalan (cap.), Meïté (Plasil, 59’) - Malcom (Kamano, 77’), De Préville, Sankharé (Carrique, 88’).
