Bordeaux (AFP)
The black beast has struck again. Strasbourg, cycling team lately outside, confirmed its grip as soon as it goes to Bordeaux with a united victory (1-0) Sunday on behalf of the 18th day of L1.
Since its ascent in 2017, Racing has enjoyed the Matmut Atlantique. 3-0 the first year, 2-0 last season, then this 1-0 with a different taste marked with the tactical seal of Thierry Laurey who won his duel at a distance with the Portuguese Paulo Sousa.
Thanks to this success, Stefan Mitrovic's teammates come back two points from their victim of the day and especially move away from the Messin barrage specialist, who is now eight lengths away. What to experience quieter end of year celebrations.
Gironde side, the funny face continues after the second act missed at the Vélodrome a week ago which had brought to light the limits of their system.
The return to the ranks is palpable and there is not much positive to take from the production of the day. A match far from exciting for the 18,000 spectators present, including Ultramarines re-seated in a grandstand following the closure as a precaution of their south turn.
A sanction imposed by the League after the interruption of the last match against Nîmes because of ultras descended on the lawn against a background of conflict with the deputy president Frédéric Longuépée and the American shareholder King Street.
To achieve this victory, Alsatian coach Thierry Laurey opted for the mirror option by bringing out a specific 5-4-1 to counter the asymmetrical system of the Girondins. Blocked on the sides, loss-making physically and in duels and lacking verticality, Paulo Sousa's men had an incredible difficulty approaching the goal of Matz Sels.
- Briand miss the simplest -
And when they did, the Belgian goalkeeper cut his angle on an attempt by Nicolas De Préville (14) and Lamine Koné extended his large compasses to prevent Josh Maja from arming (30).
Not enough to worry Racing sure of its fact and put in confidence by a quick goal from Ludovic Ajorque, on receiving a corner kick from Kenny Lala, then at the conclusion of the mess that ensued.
After the break and a stop by Sels following a header from Loris Benito, the Swiss piston tangled up the brushes on the release of the Alsatian porter. The blunder benefited Lala, but he missed the frame (56).
The entries of Jimmy Briand (60) and Samuel Kalu (71) led to a tactical readjustment on the Bordeaux side. To save appearances and the draw allowing them to stay in the first third of L1.
In vain, despite a superb rush from the Nigerian finding Briand alone at six meters but the latter, quite surprised, lacked the simplest (81). Despite their will, the Aquitaine domination remained sterile until the end.
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