Valenciennes Desperate for Survival Ahead of Crucial Bordeaux Clash
By BBC Sport
Valenciennes face a must-win match against Girondins de Bordeaux this Sunday at the Stade du Hainaut, as the relegation-threatened side fights to keep their faint Ligue 1 survival hopes alive.
Ariel Jacobs’ team sits 19th in the table, nine points adrift of safety with just three games remaining. After last week’s 1-0 defeat to Guingamp, their fate is almost sealed, but mathematically, survival remains possible—though it would require a miracle.
For Valenciennes, the mission is clear: win all remaining matches and hope rivals ahead of them falter. The challenge is daunting, particularly for a side that has not managed to string together three consecutive victories all season.
To make matters worse, Jacobs will be without key midfielder Tongo Doumbia for Sunday’s encounter. The 24-year-old Malian, a consistent presence in the heart of the team and highly regarded for his quiet leadership and tenacity, has been ruled out due to illness. Defensive mainstay Mody Traoré is also unavailable, adding to the club’s growing injury list.
Despite the grim outlook, Valenciennes remain determined to fight until the end. The home crowd at the Stade du Hainaut will be looking for a glimmer of hope, and the players are expected to give everything in an attempt to prolong their stay in France’s top division.
The squad named by Ariel Jacobs for the Bordeaux clash includes:
Goalkeepers: Novaes, Penneteau
Defenders: Angoua, Ciss, Kagelmacher, Lala, Masuaku, Medjani, Nery
Midfielders: Camara, Dossevi, Ducourtioux, Enza-Yamissi, Melikson
Forwards: Bahebeck, Le Tallec, Pujol, Waris
Bordeaux, meanwhile, sit comfortably mid-table and have little to play for, which could work in Valenciennes’ favour. But whether that will be enough for Jacobs’ men to pull off the first of three unlikely wins remains to be seen.
