In the special atmosphere pierced by the songs of the Ultramarines gathered in front of the grid, Bruno Irles' men were able to quickly dampen the hopes of Vendéens, despite losing Ajaccio (L2) 2-1 in the previous round.
Carroll detonator, Merdji finisher
Central character of the first period, Andy Carroll, who made his return after a weekend of rest and another of suspension. The Englishman first resolved the situation by breaking away to save a ball that the Herbiers defender Magassa let go at the end of the goal. His center, while tackling, found Merdji for 1-0 (18e).
The duo then struck a second time, with a classic: long play on the head of Carroll deflecting in depth for Merdji. The Lyonnais did the rest, finishing with a magnificent hook – uncrossed strike sequence (2-0, 34e). In the meantime, the giant passed through Newcastle had played the saviors by relaxing on his line to repel a header from Magassa who had beaten Diabaté (29e).
Solid without breaker
Mutyaba, after a delivery from the chest of Carroll (38e), Bahassa, too collective in front of the open goal (45e + 1) then header at point blank range (47e), and especially Merdji, after an English festival (54e), and Diallo, alone against Yavorsky (74e), missed the third goal which would have sealed the fate of the match.
Clinging to the opportunity, the Vendéens played their all and created a few situations within the hour of play. But the Girondins showed themselves to be solid like Diabaté, the full-back Bai and captain Yambéré , didn't really shake either. The goalkeeper, however, was able to be decisive after a big error from Ranem (78e), before Glao misses the inevitable. A rare heat stroke.
