A Dramatic Finish: Bordeaux Snatch Victory from Granville’s Grasp
The 15th day of National 2 witnessed a thrilling encounter between manchois and Girondins, echoing the intensity of their Coupe de France clash seven years prior. While Granville hoped to replicate their 2018 triumph, Bordeaux ultimately secured a hard-fought victory in the dying moments of the match.
The Stade Louis-Dior buzzed with anticipation as Ultramarines and North Gate supporters returned to the stands, injecting a vibrant atmosphere into the proceedings. However, the initial stages of the game lacked the spark expected from such a clash. Bordeaux coach Bruno Irles opted to bench Soufiane Bahassa following a lackluster performance against Locminé, and the first half unfolded with few clear-cut chances. The Girondins seemed overly reliant on Andy Carroll’s aerial prowess, struggling to penetrate Granville’s resolute defense.
Despite facing the league’s weakest defense, Bordeaux endured a frustrating period after halftime, failing to capitalize on their opportunities.
The tide turned dramatically in the closing stages. Bahassa, introduced as a substitute, delivered a pinpoint corner that found Carroll in the penalty area.The English striker controlled the ball with his chest before unleashing a powerful left-footed volley, sending the Bordeaux bench and their passionate supporters into raptures.
Granville,however,refused to surrender.in a desperate attempt to salvage a point, Vincent Créhin went down in the box after a challenge from Jean Grillot. The referee, Monsieur Flachot, awarded a penalty, which Créhin confidently converted, leveling the score in the 90th minute.
Just when a draw seemed certain, Bordeaux snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Adrien Louveau, the captain, delivered a perfectly weighted corner in the final seconds of added time. Nassim Ranem, returning to the team alongside Nama Fofana, rose above the Granville defense to head home the winning goal.
Despite a performance that lacked fluidity, Bordeaux’s resilience and determination earned them a crucial three points, propelling them back onto the podium, eight points adrift of leaders Saint-Malo.
Reflecting on the match, Bruno Irles acknowledged the team’s recent struggles but praised their fighting spirit. “We’ve been through a tough patch, including the setback against Saint-Brieuc,” he admitted. “Things haven’t been easy, but we showed more desire today. It took time to break down a stubborn Granville side, but we never gave up. That fighting spirit, which was evident at the start of the season, is still there. We need to address our shortcomings, but in difficult times like these, you need a bit of luck, and we managed to create our own tonight.”
Bordeaux’s Last-Gasp Glory: A Chat with Former Girondins Legend,Lilian Laslandes
Bordeaux’s dramatic Last-minute victory over Granville on the 15th day of National 2 has sent shockwaves through the league,reigniting their hopes of promotion. Too unpack this thrilling encounter, we sat down with former Girondins de Bordeaux striker and club legend, Lilian Laslandes.
Welcome, Lilian! What were your initial thoughts when you saw that final scoreline?
“It’s classic Bordeaux, isn’t it? We make things arduous for ourselves, but we have that spirit, that never-say-die attitude. I knew thay wouldn’t give up, even when Granville equalised. It was a nerve-wracking finish, but ultimately, a deserved win.”
Bordeaux seemed to struggle to break down a resolute Granville defence. Do you think Bruno Irles’s decision to bench Soufiane Bahassa initially hurt the team?
“Bahassa is a key player, but it’s understandable that Irles wanted to freshen things up after the Locminé game. Sometimes a bit of time on the bench can give a player a fresh perspective. His impact when he came on was undeniable.”
Granville displayed commendable fighting spirit themselves, earning a late penalty. Did you think they deserved a draw?
“Granville showed real resilience. That’s the beauty of National 2—you face steadfast opponents every week. They certainly gave Bordeaux a run for their money. But credit to Bordeaux, they found a way to win in the end. In football,sometimes it’s about having that bit of luck,and that’s what they had tonight.”
Bordeaux are now back in the promotion race, eight points behind Saint-Malo. What do they need to do to close that gap?
“Consistency is key. They can’t afford to drop points against teams they should be beating. They need to build momentum,play with confidence,and capitalize on those opportunities they create. It’s going to be a tough fight,but they have the quality to challenge for a return to Ligue 2.”
Do you see a glimmer of the Bordeaux that won the Ligue 1 title in the 2008-09 season in this current squad?
“It’s a different era, a different team. But I see glimpses of that same fighting spirit, that determination to never back down. If they can rediscover that consistency and belief, they can achieve anything.”
A big thank you for sharing your insights, Lilian.
What do YOU think, readers? Can Bordeaux go all the way and win promotion this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
