Bordeaux frustrated by Pau [1-1]

A sold-out stadium, the Ultramarines celebrating their 35th birthday with a spectacular show, and even a visit from Aurélien Tchouaméni: all of the ingredients were in place for a memorable evening. Bordeaux started brightly, with Dilane Bakwa (5’) and Yoann Barbet (6’) firing off the first warning shots. After that initial flurry, Pau began to show their mettle. Gaëtan Poussin made two decent saves (16’) before the visitors' third attempt got the better of him. Sylvestre broke free down the left flank and swung in a cross towards Bassouamina, whose superbly-placed header left the Girondins' keeper no chance (0-1, 23’).

Everybody assumed that Bordeaux would soon equalise and regain control of the game, so dominant had they been in the opening exchanges. But the Girondins soon found themselves locked in battle with a solid defence and a goalkeeper on incredible form. Olliero stopped a shot from Logan Delaurier-Chaubet (30’) and came out on top from a one-on-one with the striker a few minutes later (35’). He looked to have been beaten by Alberth Elis' header just before the break, only to be saved by the post (45’) ! The first of three Bordeaux shots that would rattle the woodwork this evening. Second-half sub Zuriko Davitashvili saw his sublime, arching shot rebound off the crossbar (80’). Olliero then tipped Yoann Barbet's injury time free kick onto the post, preventing Bordeaux from running away with a very late winner (90’+3). It was all one-way traffic in the second half, but try as they might the Girondins could not find a way past the Pau keeper.

Everybody had a go: Josh Maja (48’, 52’), Tom Lacoux (59’) and Logan Delaurier-Chaubet (62’) produced a steady flow of crosses, headers and shots, but Olliero stood firm. Vital Nsimba peppered the box with promising deliveries, to no avail. Understandably, the last ten minutes were extremely tense. Yoann Barbet began playing as an extra forward as the Girondins continued their desperate search for a goal. At long last, the pressure paid off and the Girondins equalised. From yet another Vital Nsimba cross, Lenny Pirringuel fired home a blazing volley which finally gave the stadium something to celebrate (1-1, 87’). What a way to score your first professional goal! There was still time for a few more shots on goal, but Pau held out to deny Bordeaux the three points.

The Girondins clearly deserved to win this game, but Pau's courageous defending earned them a point. The boys have one more piece of business to attend to - Trélissac in the Coupe de France - before the World Cup gives them an unusual mid-season holiday.