Bordeaux frustrated by Brest [1-2]

In a stadium full of shivering fans, neither team managed to raise the temperature in the first half. The Girondins certainly had the best of the early exchanges, with clear chances on goal for Otavio (11’) and Javairô Dilrosun (31’). The game gradually warmed up, and Bordeaux continued to dominate. A well-worked attacking movement culminated with a shot from Alberth Elis that Bizot parried (37’). A few minutes later, Yacine Adli tested the Brest keeper (39’). Mounié then had a headed effort saved by Benoît Costil (39’), but it was Bordeaux who scored first.

Bordeaux won yet another free kick in a promising position, and Javairô Dilrosun floated in a ball which Stian Gregersen propelled into the back of the net for his first goal in blue (1-0, 43’).

Bordeaux returned from the break clearly determined to keep the momentum going. Stian Gregersen had the crowd on their feet once again, but he was hauled down before he could get a shot away. (50’). And then, all of a sudden, the Girondins seemed to lose their hold on the game. Faivre, Honorat, Mounié and Le Douaron were becoming increasingly troublesome at the other end. Benoît Costil produced a fine save to deny Le Douaron (59’), but he was powerless to stop the next one. Ricardo Mangas's failed clearance landed squarely at the feet of Le Douaron, who fired Brest level (1-1, 60’).

Bordeaux suddenly found themselves overwhelmed by Brest's new-found attacking energy, and were soon caught out for a second time. Out on the left flank, Honorat fired in an excellent ball for Le Douaron, who duly smashed home his second goal to put the visitors into the lead (1-2, 66’). It could have been ever worse, with Faivre coming close (62’) and Costil turning away another effort soon after (70’).

Re-energised by a flurry of substitutions, Bordeaux began to fight back in the closing stages. Mbaye Niang (72’), Fransérgio (87’) and Timothée Pembélé (90’+1) all had chances, while Brest seemed content to ride out the game and preserve their slender lead. And so it ended, the Girondins losing out to a Brest side that capitalised on Bordeaux's moments of weakness then held on to see out the game. Bordeaux will be absolutely detrermined to turn things around and get a result this Wednesday in Strasbourg.