A big point in Caen [2-2]

On a brisk January evening at Caen's Stade Michel d’Ornano, the Girondins got off to a perfect start. In just the 4th minute, Alberth Elis teed up Josh Maja for a neatly-taken opening goal (4’, 0-1). The Girondins showed no sign of letting up after this goal, continuing to torment the hosts' defence and create chances.

There were also some fine efforts from distance, including a 30-yard rocket from Danylo Ignantenko which the Caen keeper just managed to reach with the tips of his fingers (10’). Zuriko Davitashvili also curled one just over the bar (19’). Caen's rare attacking efforts were quickly stifled by the ever-vigilant Stian Gregersen (13’, 23’) and Yoann Barbet. Capping off a superb start to this game, Josh Maja doubled his tally thanks to a free kick struck by Clément Michelin and laid off by Yoann Barbet (25’, 0-2).

Unfortunately for Bordeaux, the second half was to be a very different affair. Caen returned from the break with a renewed sense of purpose, and began looking for a chink in the Girondins' armour. The eventually found one from a free kick, when Alexandre Mendy managed to get his head to the ball and close the gap (52’, 1-2). David Guion's side looked to strike back immediately, but Alberth Elis (56’), Danylo Ignatenko (62’, 65’) and Dilane Bakwa (68’) all saw their efforts turned away by an in-form Caen keeper.

Things got worse for the Girondins when Clément Michelin was shown a second yellow card, leaving them a man down with twenty-plus minutes to play (68’). Bordeaux dug deep and defended even deeper, but Abdi finally headed home from a corner to level the scores (82’, 2-2). Gaëtan Poussin saved the day a few minutes later, boxing away another goal-bound shot (86’).

Caen were also reduced to ten men for the final minutes, when Yoann Court saw red for a rash challenge on Alberth Elis. It was too late to have any impact on the score, and the game ended 2-2. In spite of the frustrating result, the Girondins can be satisfied with this hard-won point from a tricky away game. The boys will be back in Ligue 2 action against Amiens this Friday 13 January, kick-off 20:45 at the Matmut ATLANTIQUE.