Girondins deserving winners in Troyes [1-2]

With 27 minutes on the clock, El Hajjam floated in a speculative cross which looked destined to be blocked, But, somehow, it slipped just past Laurent Koscielny and Chavalerin managed to nudge it goalwards with a diving header (1-0, 27’). Bordeaux were behind, against the run of play. Kouamé had enjoyed a decent chance against Benoît Costil (10’), but it was Bordeaux who had the better of the early exchanges, with Rémi Oudin a particular threat (24’). But instead of letting their heads go down, the Girondins rallied round and fought back. Barely a minute later, Ricardo Mangas broke free down the left flank and centred for Alberth Elis. Under pressure from the Honduran, Troyes defender Salmier ended up bundling the ball into his own goal (1-1, 29’). Galvanised by this rapid equaliser, Vladimir Petkovic's men kept on surging forward. Fransérgio had two good chances, but for the time being the scores remained level (33’, 34’).

The defining moment in this game came just after the break. Out on the left wing, Rémi Oudin stalled before delivering a magnificent cross for Hwang Ui-Jo, who gave his marker the slip and headed home Bordeaux's second (1-2, 54’) with his 6th Ligue 1 goal of the season. It was very nearly 3-1 when Rémi Oudin (him again) fired in a superb ball for Alberth Elis which the home defence only just managed to scramble away (66’) Troyes now found themselves on the back foot, and obliged to attack. With Bordeaux content to sit back they were able to create chances, and Kouamé drew another great save from Costil (72’). Ten minutes later Costil was beaten, but the crossbar saved the day by denying Biancone a headed equaliser (83’).

The final minutes were unbearably tense, and during stoppage time Laurent Koscielny collided with Suk. Invoking the "concussion protocol," our captain was allowed to go off and a 6th substitute took his place. This only served to stretch out the already nail-biting added time, but the Girondins held on tight to their lead. Bordeaux finally got back to winning ways after five games without a victory. Three very welcome points, and just rewards for a game which the Girondins dominated thanks to an impressive collective performance.