A vital point against Monaco [1-1]

Back on home turf at last, the Girondins were able to count on the support of a sizeable crowd at the Matmut ATLANTIQUE, and a superb display from the Virage Sud. Bordeaux lined up in 3-5-2 (or 5-3-2, at times), defending in numbers from the outset. Monaco had the first big chance of the game, and Gaëtan Poussin did very well to deflect Vanderson’s shot (15’).  

The Girondins looked solid at the back and increasingly dangerous on the ball. Hwang Ui-Jo came close with a diving header (11’), just before Timothée Pembélé volleyed wide (13’). The breakthrough finally came courtesy of Rémi Oudin. Out on the left flank, Yacine Adli jinked in a clever ball which found Oudin well-placed inside the box. The finish was truly sublime, an unstoppable volley that flew past Nübel (1-0, 22’).

Monaco fought back with efforts from Ben Yedder (26’) and Aurélien Tchouaméni (33’), but the latter - a graduate of the Girondins’ academy and former first-team fixture for Bordeaux - soon saw red. Two late tackles and two yellow cards in quick succession condemned the French international to an early bath (34’). Frankly the referee’s decision was on the harsh side, and the rest of the first half was somewhat subdued.

One goal up against ten men, it looked like Bordeaux were in an ideal position. But Monaco soon provided a reminder of what makes them one of Europe’s top teams, with a 25-minute spell of yoyal red and white dominance. Gelson Martins (50’), Ben Yedder (57’), Vanderson (61’) and Jean Lucas (62’) all piled on the pressure, but ultimately the equaliser came from a stroke of luck. Out on the left wing, Gelson Martins cut inside and attempted a shot. Anel Ahmedhodzic cleared the ball, but only as far as Marcelo who unwittingly scored an own goal (1-1, 67’).

Stunned by this blow, David Guion’s side went looking for a winner. Hwang Ui-Jo (82’) and Gideon Mensah (90’) both came close to beating Nübel. Monaco had chances too, with Gaëtan Poussin twice denying Golovine (75’, 87’). The game ended one apiece, and the match Girondins will be ruing the missed opportunity. Nonetheless, they put on a solid defensive showing against highly-talented opposition, which bodes well for the rest of the season. Next up is an away visit to Clermont next weekend.