A hard-won victory in the rain [1-2]

The Girondins finally secured their first victory of the season this afternoon in Saint-Etienne, producing a courageous performance in very difficult conditions, particularly in the second half. Ui-Jo Hwang got both goals for Bordeaux (7', 80'), with ex-Girondin Khazri on target for the hosts (73').   When Ui-Jo's shot hit the back of the net, the South Korean ace knew he had handed the Girondins a precious lead - this 80th minute effort proved to be the decider. Even as Stade Geoffroy Guichard became virtually unplayable in the heavy rain, Bordeaux never let their guard down.

Seven minutes before that deciding goal, Khazri had pulled one back for Saint-Etienne (73'). This goal capped off a hectic passage of play, following on from an excellent attempt by Rémi Oudin at the other end (66'), and an earlier effort from Khazri which Costil did very well to stop (63'). All the while, the rain kept pouring down.

Captain Costil made another excellent save in the first half (23'), helping to protect the Girondins' early lead. It was Ui-Jo Hwang who scored that early goal (7'), ensuring that this meeting between two of French football's most storied teams lived up to its billing. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, Bordeaux finally sealed their first win of the campaign. A welcome victory indeed ahead of a busy week: an away trip to Montpellier on Saturday, followed by a visit from Rennes next Sunday.