Bordeaux in decisive victory [2-0]

The Girondines secured a crucial victory against Montpellier this Saturday afternoon, beating (2-0) one of their biggest rivals for the top 3 spots. Solid in defence and creative going forward, what really set Bordeaux apart today was a moment of genius.

The game got off to a brisk start, with Katja Snoeijs intercepting a stray pass and picking out Khadija Shaw in the 8th minute. The centre forward fired off an absolute rocket straight into the top corner. A truly wonderful goal, Shaw's 14th of the season and 24th in her brief D1 career, pulling her level with Viviane Asseyi as the club's all-time top goalscorer in the top flight.

But it wasn't all plain sailing, and Montpellier soon demonstrated the physical and technical qualities they are known for. The visitors dominated posession and created chances for Petermann (5’, 40’), Skorvankova (22’, 29’) and De Almeida (23’). Bordeaux defended ferociously, led by an impeccable central duo and top performances from Bilbault and Jauréna. Bordeaux were under the cosh at times, but held firm and saw some promising moments from counter-attacks. Ghoutia Karchouni (1’, 25’) and Khadija Shaw (32’) were both thwarted by decent saves by Perrault.

The second half was a different matter, but it started in much the same way as the first! About five minutes in, Julie Dufour laid off the ball to Katja Snoeijs, 40 metres from goal. The Dutch international cut inside, shrugged off three defenders with her nimble footwork and fired off an unstoppable left-footed drive. An absolutely sensational goal, and Katja's fifth of the season.

Buoyed by their two-goal lead, Bordeaux fully took charge of the game. It would be hard to pick one stand-out performer, so impressive was the collective performance. The defence was impenetrable, and Charlotte Bilbault seemed untouchable, while Julie Dufour and Ghoutia Karchouni won virtually every battle… The chances kept on coming Ghoutia Karchouni (56’, 69’), Charlotte Bilbault (64’, 66’), Julie Dufour (69’) and Maëlle Garbino (86’ and 90’) all coming close.

Montpellier had a couple of chances of their own, but Anna Moorhouse was unflappable. This win puts the Girondines four points ahead of Montpellier, a comfortable margin going into the Christmas break. Bravo to the girls, and we can't wait to see them back in action in January!