Finishing on a high [0-1]

Stoppage time, the clock is ticking. When Claire Lavogez's shot is pushed wide, Bordeaux push forward en masse for the last-ditch corner. The ball falls for Eve Perisset, whose effort is pushed away... into the path of Maëlle Garbino, who crosses in for Mickaëlla Cardia to head home and seal a dramatic victory (0-1, 90’+3). A prestigious result against tough opposition, in a game which could have gone either way.

Although there was technically nothing left to play for in this final outing of the season, both sides showed plenty of drive and determination. Montpellier had early chances courtesy of Skorvankova (15’) and Petermann (16’). Patrice Lair's side took a little while to find their way into the game, not creating much in terms of clear-cut chances on goal but nonetheless dominating possession and bossing the midfield. Andréa Lardez (9’), Melissa Gomes (17’), Julie Dufour (27’) and Eve Perisset (38’) all tested MHSC keeper Lisa Schmitz in the first half.

The second half picked up where the first had left off, with both sides playing open, attacking football that was a pleasure to watch.  The difference this time was that Montpellier seemed to be the more dangerous of the two sides, with Robert (53’), Skorvankova (68’) and Mbakem-Niaro (88’) all coming close. The best chance of the match, however, fell to Nérilia Mondésir. When Robert broke free down the right wing and floated in a cross for the striker, on the edge of the six-yard box, she somehow managed to fire her shot into Laëtitia Philippe's right post (62’) !

That was the most obvious chance of the game so far, but of course the best was yet to come with Mickaëlla Cardia's late goal. This victory allows Bordeaux to end the season on a high note after two disappointing defeats at the hands of PSG (1-5) and Paris FC (1-4). It also allowed the Girondines to hang onto 6th place, despite Reims' victory over Paris (1-0). And last but not least, it was a chance to take revenge on Montpellier, who won by the same narrow scoreline in Bordeaux earlier in the season. The Girondines are now head off on holiday, or to join their national squads and prepare for Euro 2022. They can be proud of their performances this season, with the satisfaction of knowing that they gave it their all, right to the very last minute of the very last game.