In Avranches, the match started strong for the Girondins, with motivation showing from the kickoff. The situation quickly escalated: the first shot by Steve Shamal was saved by Avranches goalkeeper Anthony Beuve, but then deflected by defender Améric Dudouit into his own goal (0-1, 3rd minute).
Avranches tried to respond, but Hoekstra in goal for Bordeaux was alert. It was Bordeaux who once again found a way through with a beautiful team move down the right side. At the end of the chain, Bordeaux’s top scorer, Royce Openda, scored his 14th goal of the season in the league (0-2, 14th minute).
Fifteen minutes later, Bordeaux missed a chance to make it three after an error by Anthony Beuve, with Royce Openda’s shot cleared off the line by Dudouit. Bordeaux continued their offensive pressure: Ruben Droehnlé hit the post (31st minute) and then Shamal was denied by Beuve (32nd minute). Vilette also had an opportunity after an exchange with Shamal, but once again Beuve made the save (42nd minute), preventing Bordeaux from increasing their lead.
Everything seemed to be going perfectly until a double setback occurred: at the same time, Royce Openda had to leave the field due to injury (45th minute) and it was announced that La Roche sur Yon had taken the lead in Locminé, thus reclaiming the top spot in the group.
As if that wasn’t enough, the second half started poorly for Bordeaux. Just after coming on, Sopromadze beat Hoekstra to pull one back for Avranches (1-2, 46th minute). Bordeaux didn’t have time to doubt themselves because, after a high press, Diagouraga, who had replaced Openda, found himself facing Beuve and scored low (1-3, 54th minute).
Physically struggling, Bordeaux were on the back foot. Avranches got a helping hand from referee Valentin Cardon: a controversial penalty was awarded to the Normans, allowing Sopromadze to bring them within one goal of Bordeaux (2-3, 76th minute). Three minutes later, Avranches’ captain, Jessy Pi, beat Hoekstra with a powerful shot (3-3, 79th minute). No more goals were scored. It was a tough blow for the Girondins.
