Bordeaux U19s narrowly beaten at home [0-1]

The Salzburg lads won the toss and kicked off proceedings in the Girondins' first ever outing in the Youth League. The intensity which is part and parcel of European competition was evident from the get-go. The toughest battles were fought in midfield, where Bordeaux held their ground well and launched a series of well-timed attacks. Bordeaux were the first side to break into their opponents' penalty area, and played a high defensive line throughout the first 15 minutes.  The Austrians gradually began to find their feet and push into the Girondins' half, starting with a series of probing long balls. The Bordeaux defence, led by captain Jules Koundé, stood firm and coped well with the physical style of their opponents. Red Bull Salzburg tried their luck from long range, but Dembélé's shot posed no real threat to Bordeaux keeper Gaëtan Poussin (20’). The first real chance on goal came in the 24th minute, when Salzburg striker Schmid dribbled his way into the box before firing in a shot from a tight angle. Fortunately for Gaëtan Poussin and the Girondins, it hit the post!  Red Bull seemed to improve as the game wore on, gradually turning the tide of possession by winning more balls in midfield. They landed a heavy blow in the 33rd minute, when Schmid popped up at the back post to convert a well-placed cross and put the visitors ahead (0-1, 33’).  The Girondins did not let their heads go down, and were straight back up the other end. They came within a whisker of equalising from a corner in the 38th minute, and kept piling pressure on the visitors with their rapid counter-attacks. Salzburg were 1-0 up at half-time, but Bordeaux's performance had been highly encouraging. The second half was every bit as intense as the first. From the whistle the Austrians attempted to smother the Girondins under their constant attacking pressure. Bordeaux endured a rough spell, but kept their heads and still managed to put in a few piercing counter-attacks. Salzburg were clearly in charge, but the Girondins worked hard and created several chances on goal. Till Cissokho came within centimetres of levelling the scores from a corner in the 60th minute, and a few minutes later Zaydou Youssouf saw his powerful drive scrape just over the bar (67’).   Jean-Luc Dogon's side got back into the game in the later stages, throwing everything they had at the visitors in an attempt to equalise. A red card for Salzburg's Deméelé (for a dangerous tackle) gave Bordeaux a numerical advantage in the final 15 minutes, and they almost made it count immediately when Abdoulaye Bomou's header rebounded off the post! (79’) The Girondins piled the pressure on 10-man Salzburg, but despite their best efforts they were unable to find the net. The U19s lost to the reigning champions by the narrowest of margins, in a Youth League debut of which they can be proud. Bordeaux played well today, and just lacked that little bit of technical control - and a bit of luck. A promising performance which still leaves the Girondins with a decent chance of qualification as they travel to Austria for the return leg on 17th October.