In a tense National 2 encounter, Bordeaux edged Les Herbiers 1-0 at Stade Atlantique, thanks to a penalty from Royce Openda in the 63rd minute. The victory kept them within one point of league leaders La Roche-sur-Yon, who cruised past Chauray 4-1. The title race will be resolved on the final matchday next Saturday.
The match drew a record French fourth-division crowd of 27,000, creating a cauldron of noise. Bordeaux improved significantly in the second half, with Openda's spot kick proving decisive. Les Herbiers had a goal disallowed for a controversial offside in the 53rd minute, preserving the scoreless deadlock until the breakthrough.
Bordeaux must now outperform La Roche-sur-Yon on the final day to secure promotion to the National league. If the teams finish level on points, Bordeaux holds the advantage due to superior head-to-head results, meaning a draw could suffice depending on the other result. Coach Rio Mavuba said after the game: 'Il peut encore se passer beaucoup de choses,' reflecting the unpredictable nature of the situation.
Mavuba's arrival in January sparked a turnaround, with five wins in six matches. The team had slumped after a strong start but has regained momentum. La Roche-sur-Yon president Christophe Chabot stoked the rivalry by predicting his club will 'se baignera dans les larmes des Bordelais le dernier soir,' heightening the psychological stakes.
With everything on the line, Bordeaux will face Avranches away on May 16 at 18:00. The supporters, who turned out in force, will hope their team can deliver one last performance to clinch promotion.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.