By Nicolas Le Gardien
The Bordelais, who led 3-0, were scared but won significant success in the race to maintain, driven by the efficiency of the South Korean. They go back to 17th place
This is only a first step, but an important success in the race for maintenance. The Girondins, who remained on four consecutive losses, regained success this Sunday against Strasbourg (4-3) in a disheveled match which confirmed their strengths (offensive individualities) and their weaknesses (technical mastery, defensive fragility).
Leading 3-0 in the 40th minute thanks to a formidable efficiency on the counter, Vladimir Petkovic’s men trembled until the end but were able to count on a Hwang Ui-Jo author of his first hat-trick in Europe, with two heads of work.
Perfect scenario
For this match under high pressure for him, the Bordeaux coach had chosen continuity with the compact 4-4-2 in the defensive phase and exploding in 4-2-3-1 with the ball, a system used since the arrival of Lyon on December 12. The only outstanding choice: the tenure of Medioub preferred to Gregersen.
The first turn: a missed shot by Liénard, forgotten by Lacoux at the far post on a corner (5th). Strasbourg missed the opportunity to validate its hold on the first minutes and the Bordelais managed to take advantage of the first weak Alsatian time to regain confidence. Aggressive and dense defensively, quickly projecting themselves into depth on recovery with Adli available as a launching pad, they quickly showed that they had the means to take on the heavy opposing defense from behind. With almost maximum efficiency.
After a bad delivery from Thomasson intercepted, and a one-two from one wing to the other between Oudin and Elis, Hwang scored his first goal of the evening on a cross from the former Rémois (1-0, 17th ). Then after a ball returned by Ajorque under pressure, the same Oudin this time sent Elis to challenge and deceive Sels face to face (2-0, 21st). Ended ? No. On a new counter, Hwang, shifted to the right side, refocused to roll up a magnificent strike in the opposite corner (3-0, 39′).
The perfect scenario, but already some dross reminding that the whole remained fragile and announcing the continuation. Thomasson had struck wide after recovering a ball at the feet of Mexer full axis at 1-0, Ajorque had come up against Poussin at 2-0. And Gameiro, alone at the entrance to the area on a center cleared by Mexer, reduced the score just before the half-volley break (3-1, 43rd).
Paid Tactical Change
The public present at the stadium then quickly felt that the balance of power had reversed. Poussin delayed the deadline on a strike from Gameiro (51st) and a header from Ajorque (54th). But on a loose ball, Prcic hit full axis to send Gameiro behind Mexer to bring his team back to 3-2 (57th). No longer able to get the ball out, the Bordelais had to wait until the 71st minute to see the opposing surface again. Elis, well shifted, came up against Sels.
Vladimir Petkovic’s men suffered, conceded several hot situations, including a rescue from Oudin sacrificing himself and injuring himself on the action (73rd). But they held on. The change to 3-5-2 with the entry of Kwateng gave them some air. And while Mangas, inheriting a blocked ball in the area, missed an unmissable, Waris’ equalizer in stride was refused for offside by a few centimeters (83rd). With a few clever mistakes, self-sacrifice too, the Girondins even managed to lead a final counterattack. Served by Elis, Hwang completed his afternoon with a new masterpiece with a shot at the first post from 20 meters (4-2, 90th). He had to: Waris reduced the score in stoppage time (4-3, 90th + 5). The road is still long, but success will do you good.