A tough night in Normandy [1-0]

The Girondins started the game with the best of attacking intentions! In the 7th minute, François Kamano burst into the hosts' penalty area and laid off for Malcom. The Brazilian attempted a cheeky back-heel, but the defence had it covered. Two minutes later, Vukasin Jovanovic connected with a free kick struck by Malcom. Unfortunately for us his header was not strong enough to beat Rémy Vercoutre. Bordeaux were looking good in these early exchanges. Caen's first chance came in the 16th minute, when Mbengue tried his luck from outside the box. Benoît Costil was not even remotely disturbed. Bordeaux continued to dominate possession but failed to capitalise on their chances, and it was Caen who broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. Rodelin fired in a cross for Santini, whose header was as powerful as it was precise: 1-0 to Caen. This goal against the run of play was a tough blow for the Girondins, who had dominated proceedings thus far. match. Nicolas De Préville essayed a shot from outside the box, to no avail (35’). Four minutes later, back up the other end, Mbengue rattled the crossbar. Just before the break Malcom looked to be pulled down by Genevois inside the box, but the referee waved play on. Jocelyn Gourvennec decided to shake things up completely at half time, switching to a 4-2-3-1 and bringing on Alexandre Mendy for Younousse Sankharé. The Girondins were determined to get back into this game, and François Kamano came within millimetres of equalising when he smashed one off the crossbar! (47’) The Girondins needed a bit of good fortune this evening, but there was none forthcoming. Meanwhile, both Mbengue (51’) and Kouakou (53’) had chances for the hosts. Bordeaux's attacking efforts were leaving them exposed at the back, making for an open, flowing and often unstable game. Gourvennec made two late changes, bringing on Cafu and Jaroslav Plasil for François Kamano and Otavio. The Girondins kept pushing forward, but let themselves down with some silly technical errors. Caen could see the end in sight, and were determined to hold on for the last ten minutes. Alexandre Mendy headed the ball into the back of the net in the 91st minute, only to see his goal disallowed for offside. Bordeaux never gave up, but their best efforts were not enough to get the better of Caen at Stade Michel D’Ornano.