A bumpy start to the season in Pau [3-0]

Bordeaux looked the better of the two teams in the opening exchanges, with Jérémy Livolant firing in a low-flying cross for Zan Vipotnik at the back post. The Slovenian forward connected with the ball, but his shot bounced back off the post! (7’) Pau were soon on the offensive, but Rafal Straczek made two confident interventions to deny first Henri Saivet (9’) then one of his team-mates (16’). And then, all of a sudden and in the space of just two minutes, the Girondins found themselves with a mountain to climb. Henri Saivet opened the scoring with a rocket from 30 yards out (17’, 1-0). Seconds later, George doubled the lead (19’, 2-0).

Stung by this one-two blow, Bordeaux pushed hard to find a quick equalizer. Clément Michelin delivered a promising cross for Zan Vipotnik, but the Pau keeper managed to tip his header wide (40’). Just before half time, Yoann Barbet rattled a free kick off the crossbar (45+4’).

After the break, David Guion's side continued to dominate and push forward but were frustrated by a fantastic performance from Pau's Bingourou Kamara.  The keeper blocked efforts from Jérémy Livolant (56’) and Zan Vipotnik (57’), and even stopped a penalty struck by Vipotnik (65’). The Girondins had the lion's share of possession, but stubbornly failed to put the ball in the net. Pau were happy to play it safe and strike when the opportunity presented itself, a tactic which allowed Boutaïb to score their third goal and effectively put the game to bed (73’, 3-0).

Long-distance efforts from Pedro Diaz (81’) and Alexi Pitu (90+1’) provided some late entertainment, but all in all this was a frustrating evening for the Girondins and their travelling fans. Bordeaux played well and dominated for long spells, but still ended up losing 3-0, ruing missed chances and a spurned penalty. The boys in blue will be looking to make amends next Monday against Concarneau, in their first game of the new season at the Matmut ATLANTIQUE.