Girondines beaten at home by Montpellier [0-2]

The tone of this match was set in the very first minutes: Montpellier playing a high defensive line and seeking to dominate the pitch, while Bordeaux defended en masse and waited for chances to counter-attack. Logically enough, Montpellier created the first chances on goal: Mondésir (11’) and Boureille (13’) both came close. The Girondines soon answered in kind, with Mylène Chavas embarking on a mazy run which culminated in not one but two shots blocked in extremis by Mondésir (19’). Back at the other end, the Bordeaux keeper was helpless to stop Boureille's opening goal. When Robert broke free down the right wing and teed up her team-mate on the 6-yard line, all she had to do was slam the ball home (0-1, 26’).  

The Girondines were still relying on counter-attacks, but neither Mickaëlla Cardia (15’) nor Melissa Gomes (39’) was able to make the difference. Montpellier were still one goal up at half-time, despite the best efforts of Robert to increase the lead (33’, 35’, 40’).

Patrice Lair decided to make a big change at half time, sending on Maëlle Garbino in the hope of shaking things up. Clearly Montpellier had other ideas, and after Mondésir hit the bar (46’) Skorvankova soon pounced to double the visitors' lead. Connecting with a long ball, she won her one-on-one with Mylène Chavas and scored with her left foot (0-2, 48’). This second goal changed the whole tempo of the game. Montpellier seemed happy to protect their lead, while Bordeaux attempted to find an opening with speculative efforts from Hillary Diaz (55’) and Maëlle Garbino (59’). Things picked up considerably towards the end, as our girls continued to push forward and it was Montpellier's turn to strike on the counter. Bordeaux had their ever-reliable keeper to thank for saving potentially game-ending shots from Robert (70’), Mondésir (73’) and Mbakem-Niaro (79’).  

Just to cap off an already miserable evening for Bordeaux, Maëlle Garbino limped off injured  late in the game. Worse still, she looked to be through on goal until she pulled up with a sudden pain. The Girondines will now be making the most of the international break to work on their physical recovery and restore their fighting spirit. They will be back in league action at the end of the month, travelling to face Lyon and then welcoming PSG to Bordeaux.