Bordeaux made it a joint-league leading five games without defeat as they drew 2-2 at home to promoted Brest in a topsy-turvy game.
Girondins de Bordeaux 2-2 Stade Brestois 29
THE MATCH
Bordeaux made the ideal start as Jimmy Briand (6') gave them the lead with a powerful header from a Yassine Benrahou free-kick from the left. The 34-year-old's third goal in as many games was his 95th career Ligue 1 Conforama goal and at this rate it will not be long before the former Guingamp forward brings up his century.
Samuel Grandsir was preferred to Paul Lasne for Brest and that looked an inspired decision from Olivier Dall'Oglio when the France Under-21s international, on loan from Monaco, scored the equaliser (20') as he turned home a first-time Yoann Court cross from the left.
On the stroke of half-time Brest, who had been struggling for goals so far this season, had scored two in a game for the very first time since returning to the top division. Court popped up on the right this time to supply a ball to captain Mathias Autret, who gave opposite number Benoît Costil no chance (45+1').
Benrahou (63') nearly drew Les Girondins level when he struck the bar with a curling left-footed shot. It was almost his last act before being replaced by former Sunderland forward Josh Maja as Paulo Sousa's side chased the game. Brest could have made the points safe on the counter when sub Alexandre Mendy hit the post after great work from Grandsir.
The equaliser came soon after (70') through defender Pablo as the Brazilian international netted a powerful header from a Yacine Adli corner. The wind was back in Bordeaux's sails and in the 78th minute Samuel Kalu, played in by Maja, failed to score in a one-on-one with Gautier Larsonneur. Otavio had a chance to win it at the death (90') but fired over.
THE PLAYER: Mathias Autret
Having come up through the Brest youth system, Autret returned to the western tip of France in 2017 and has become a very influential player. In a team struggling for goals his contribution has been vital and he's now been involved in four of Brest's five league goals this season, scoring twice and providing two assists.
THE STAT: 0
Bordeaux remain the only club not to have conceded a second-half goal this Ligue 1 Conforama campaign.