Bordeaux too strong for Paris FC ! [1-3]

This Saturday 3rd September, the Girondins travelled to face Paris FC at Stade Charléty for their 7th outing of the Ligue 2 season.   In front of a sizeable contingent of travelling fans, referee Jérémie Pignard got the game underway. The opening exchanges were intense, with plenty of energy and some robust challenges from both sides. Danylo Ignatenko had the first shot on goal (4’). Bordeaux were on the front foot and continued to create chances. Josh Maja headed the ball down for Dilane Bakwa, whose shot was well blocked by the Paris keeper (8’). 

Making his 20th appearance in Bordeaux colours, Dilane Bakwa got off to a very strong start. He picked up the ball in the centre of midfield and picked out Josh Maja as he cut through the hosts' defence. Finding himself one-on-one with the keeper, the striker kept his cool (0-1, 14') to fire the Girondins into the lead! Bordeaux had a deserved lead. 

Just a few minutes later, Dilane Bakwa was at it again. Charging past his man on the right wing, he swung in a cross for Josh Maja, whose shot was this time pushed wide for a corner. Dilane Bakwa stepped up to take the set piece, which was handled inside the box by Bernauer. The referee duly pointed to the penalty spot, and Josh Maja doubled his tally without hesitation! (0-2, 20’) Bordeaux were thoroughly dominating this game, but Thierry Laurey's side attempted to fight back as best they could. In the final fifteen minutes of the first half the hosts managed to keep hold of the ball and put Bordeaux on the back foot. They had three corners in quick succession and caused a bit of commotion in front of Gaëtan Poussin's goal, but the Girondins' defence held firm. Bordeaux were still 2 goals clear at the break.

In need of a reaction, Paris made three changes at half time. Bordeaux remained unchanged, and soon secured the first chance on goal of the second period, when Fransergio came close (47’). Paul Lasne initiated the counter-attack for the hosts, which culminated in Gory picking up the ball inside the Bordeaux box but failing to hit the target (48’). Just a few minutes later the unstoppable Dilane Bakwa was at it again. Bursting into the Paris box he was hauled down to win another penalty. Josh Maja stepped up to complete his hat trick with admirable poise (0-3, 51’). 

It was very nearly 4-0 when Alberth Elis connected with a good ball from Josh Maja but sent his shot over the bar (65’). With time ticking away, the Parisians threw themselves forward in a desperate attempt to get something from this game. They created plenty of chances, and hit the woodwork in the 68th minute. Despite the impressive solidity and solidarity of the Bordeaux defence, the hosts did finally succeed in snatching a consolation goal ten minutes from the end (1-3, 80’). David Guion decided to make a few changes, and subs Emeric Depussay and Lucas Rocrou were both involved in a late action which almost yielded another goal.  Mr. Pignard soon blew up for full time, a 3-1 victory which puts Bordeaux top of Ligue 2.