Dominator in the first-half, then dominated in the second, the Gym dug deep to hold onto a precious victory against Bordeaux (2-1). With another win, the Aiglons strengthened their place on the podium. 

Action, reaction

The final sprint has begun. Everything during the 31st match of Ligue 1 confirmed this. The game, the tension, the emotions. With their batteries recharged and no heavy legs to be seen, the two sides started the game with lots of intensity. Each in its own style: the Gym with possession, elegance and determination; the Girondins with impact, speed and a direct game. The result? The first-half was played with a frantic rhythm. Attacking the rocking South, the Aiglons were the first to create an opportunity. In the 5th minute, a corner from Mika Seri was met at the near post by Valentin Eysseric and then by Souquet at full stretch, but the ball would smack against the woodwork. The tone was set and the opening of the scoring by the visitors wasn’t enough to knock the Aiglons off of their path.

On fifteen minutes, Gaëtan Laborde beat Dante and Le Marchand to shoot powerfully towards Cardi’s goal. A sumptuous opener, but unjust. The advantage was short-lived, however. The Red and Blacks didn’t lose their heads and quickly pulled themselves back onto level terms. After a marvellous team move, Arnaud Souquet did well and was fouled by Jérémy Toulalan in the box. The deserved penalty was converted by a clear and effective Mario Balotelli.

Available in the game and involved in the defensive phases, the Italian was also involved in the goal that earned the lead for the Niçois. Working back well, (or playing rather cunningly, depending on your version...),  the number 9 recovered a misplaced Bordeaux pass and set-up Eysseric. What happened next? Some absolute magic from the Nice playmaker, who pulled a missile out of his hat which fizzed by Carrasso (34').

Arranged in a 4-2-3-1 which saw a very active Vincent Koziello combine well with Mika Seri in the hole, the home side were a real pleasure to watch. Dominating with the speed of their passing, their energy and drive and the accuracy of their movement. Well-disciplined, they finished the first-half playing a bit deeper. Cardinale pushed a shot deflected by Max Le Marchand onto his bar (33'), before flying out like a dart to deny Vada (36') to ensure the Aiglons went in with a lead. The Aiglons had dominated the first-half and were well worth their lead (68% possession at the break). Despite that, with their 4-3-3 opening up the wings for Malcolm and Kamano - very difficult to deal with one-on-one and using the “opposite foot to wing tactic” - Bordeaux remained dangerous and in the match.

Resistance

Leading, Lucien Favre’s side attacked the final 45 minutes in the same way they had finished the first, deeper in their half. Slight difference, they suffered a lot. Bordeaux put their foot on the ball and soon caused serious problems. Kamano shot from a free-kick which was turned over by the home keeper (55'). From the corner which followed, following a scramble, the same Kamano missed the target 2 metres out from the goal line. The first warnings came without cost. They proved, however, that Dante’s teammates would need to hold on to stay in the lead. They would throw themselves into it, with belligerence, determination… and success. 

Assisted by Valentin Eysseric who was superb throughout the match, Super Mario shot powerfully towards goal and Carrasso could only parry it away… unfortunately, however, Ricardo couldn’t get onto the end of it to convert it (64'). This was to be one of the few chances the Aiglons would have after the break (a late strike from Valentin Eysseric being the second).

Less inspired, the Niçois held on to maintain their lead, pushed on by their supporters. Kamano, bubbly but clumsy, made the most of some hesitancy from the hosts to find himself 1-on-1 with Cardinale, but again he missed the target (66'). Jocelyn Gourvennec played his trump card 20 minutes from time, throwing on one after the other Rolan and Menez to replace Laborde and Vada, finishing the game with… 4 recognised forwards. Adam Ounas, was the final throw of the dice for the Bordelais coach and he lifted his shot over ten minutes before the end of the game. Diego Rolan got his head onto the ball in the scramble. The Gym continued to suffer. Were pushed back. But with courage and pride, the Gym wouldn’t be pinned back.

They are, therefore, 1 point behind Paris (who have a game in hand) and pick up two extra points on Lyon, who were held by Rennes this afternoon. The Gones now find themselves 16 points behind the Aiglons (with a game in hand).

The superb journey continues.

 

C.D.

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