Battling Bordeaux undone by champions Lyon

The headline clash of this weekend's D1 action took place at Stade Sainte-Germaine, Le Bouscat, with the sun shining down and fans packing the stands. Both teams looked well-drilled, but Lyon showed their cutting edge early on: in just the 5th minute, Lindsey Horan connected with a cross to slam home a stinging right-footed drive. Lyon were in the lead (0-1, 5’). The Girondines refused to let their heads go down, and responded in kind five minutes later. Mickaëlla Cardia got the equaliser, heading home Julie Dufour's corner (1-1, 10’). Both sides gave as good as they got in these early exchanges, but Wendie Renard soon headed Lyon back into the lead (1-2, 14’).

As the game went on the Girondines settled into a rhythm, soaking up the pressure and looking to strike on the counter. Mylène Chavas was tested on several occasions, and produced an acrobatic save to deny de Vicki Becho (29’). Patrice Lair's team battled courageously at the back, but the visitors still managed to find a chink in their armour and score a third before half-time, courtesy of Melvine Malard (1-3, 44’).

The second half picked up where the first left off, with Bordeaux battling hard to ward off Lyon's attacking might. They also succeeded in creating some very promising chances themselves, not least a powerful drive from Maëlle Garbino (60’), a headed effort from Amanda Gutierres (61’) and an impressive solo run from Mickaëlla Cardia (65’).

In spite of this battling spirit, and the chances they created, Bordeaux simply could not find the net in the second half. There were to be no more goals at either end, as Mylène Chavas produced two more superb saves to deny the champions from close range (69’ and 87’). A tough afternoon for the Girondines, which ended in a 3-1 defeat at Stade Sainte-Germaine. Bordeaux's next D1 game will be a home clash with Guingamp, Saturday 29 October at 14:30.