Bordeaux get the job done [1-0]

The Girondins got off to a bright start, with Dilane Bakwa looking threatening down the right flank. Escales cleared his first cross (5’), while the crossbar took care of the second (16’). Annecy, meanwhile, had a clear game plan in place: one midfielder was assigned to hassle the Bordeaux defence and stifle their long ball restarts. It worked for a little while, but the Girondins soon found the solution. Keeper Gaëtan Poussin demonstrated his precision and power to clear the lines and give Bordeaux some breathing room. Logically enough, Bordeaux soon took the lead. An impressive collective movement saw Vital Nsimba scamper away down the left wing, before curling in the perfect cross for Dilane Bakwa to tap in from close range (1-0, 22’).

Laurent Guyot's side refused to give in without a fight, and kept on testing the Bordeaux defence. After firing his first chance over the bar (13’), Annecy front man Sahi gave the Girondins a more serious scare just after the half-hour mark (33’). Testud also had a decent chance, abetted by ex-Girondin Shamal (26’). The second half was much like the first, with Gaëtan Poussin pulling off two fine saves in quick succession (46’ and 49’) to preserve Bordeaux's lead. Back up the other end, Danylo Ignatenko (52’) and Alberth Elis (55’) both had shots blocked.

The rest of the game went off without major incident, until the very last minute. Bordeaux were happy to protect their lead, and never looked much like scoring again until they created two tantalising chances in injury time. Aliou Badji connected with a sweet cross from Zurico Davitashvili but could not slide the ball past the keeper (90’+1), before Fransérgio headed Vital Nsimba's cross just wide of the mark (90’+3).

Ultimately, one goal was enough for Bordeaux to secure their 8th victory of the season and retain the Ligue 2 top spot. The Girondins may even extend their lead over the chasing pack, depending on how results go elsewhere. This week, David Guion and his charges will be turning their attention to their first Coupe de France tie.