Bordeaux-Slovacko, a historic European debut: [2-1]

For the first time in the club's history, the Girondines were in European action last night. Hosting Czech club FC Slovacko, Bordeaux dominated the ball early on. The first real chance on goal came in the 13th minute, with Katja Snoeijs picking up the ball inside the box but failing to get the better of the keeper. Inès Jauréna then had a very similar shot blocked five minutes later. With just 21 minutes on the clock Melissa Gomes was obliged to leave the pitch, and Maëlle Garbino came on to replace her. Time was ticking on and the Girondines were still struggling to make good on their domination... until the 37th minute, when Inès Jauréna smashed the ball into the net to become the first Bordeaux Women player to score in European competition[1-0].

Having taken the lead, Bordeaux were content to see out the rest of the first half at a comfortable pace. After the break the Girondines continued to move the ball around well in midfield, but again the Czech defence was a hard nut to crack. At the other end, Anna Moorhouse was quick to shut down the only dangerous ball which strayed into her box. With torrential rain now lashing the stadium, Patrice Lair decided to make a few changes. Ella Palis was sent on to replace Claire Lavogez (67’), with Svava Gudmundsdottir coming on for Katja Snoeijs a little later on (80’).

The game looked destined for an uneventful conclusion but, in football as in life, never say never until that final whistle has blown! With the match already in stoppage time, Vanessa Gilles attempted to head the ball back to Anna Moorhouse and inadvertently gifted the visitors an equaliser (93’, 1-1). Faced with the unexpected prospect of extra time, the Girondines kicked into gear... and Vanessa Gilles secured the victory with a rocket of a header from the very last movement of the match! (2-1, 94’)

A well-deserved victory for the girls, who dominated throughout. Their next European encounter comes this Saturday against Kristianstads DFF, a game you can watch live on girondins.com, as well as via the club's Youtube channel and Facebook page (kick-off at 20:00).