Darren — Ultimate European Challenge, Bordeaux’s fine margins 2020/21

Hey guys, I hope you all enjoyed a relaxing Easter weekend. I found ample time to play FM and have the most ridiculous season to share. During my last post you saw Bordeaux start strong in Ligue 1. But anything I can do Marseille and Lyon can do better. The title was bound to go to the wire as Bordeaux were six points off top with half a season to go and one game in hand. We pick up the story in January, so lets see if I can complete the Ultimate European Challenge…or if I am bound to play in France for another season.

Ligue 1 results — January and February

I had a tall task and it all began during January. My target was to go the rest of the season unbeaten and draw no more than three matches. This must surely secure the title. Well, all went to plan in these two months. We are still conceding sloppy goals, but my more attacking players are balancing the books. After winning all seven fixtures, I started to feel good about my title challenge. San Roman and Vidal still dominated the scoring charts, these two will be vital to any success.

Ligue 1 results — March and April

Mid March and the start of April are my title deciders. Losing to Lyon and Marseille will certainly end any title aspirations, while the other six matches must be won. We started well against Stade Rennais, a poor performance at home but three points all the same. Then the match I have been waiting for, Lyon away. Sane scored early on from a corner, we played well and saw some end to end football. But Lyon equalized with 8 minutes to go and that cost us dearly. I’d have taken a draw before kick-off but not after seeing the way we played. :( The lads pulled together and managed two victories over GF38 and Aries-Avignon, then another dreaded tie. We were to play Marseille at home. This was an amazing match full of goals and action, but it was Bordeaux who came away victorious. The legend Vidal scored a winner and finished the match 3-2, a priceless win and the title challenge is alive and kicking. Vidal seemed to gain confidence from then on and scored against Lens, PSG and Nice. All three matches were won with ease and this made it 7 wins and one draw from 8 games.

Ligue 1 table with four games remaining

OK, how is this possible!! I have won 14 games and drawn one from 15 fixtures. Certainly title winning form and yet Lyon are still one point ahead in first. I just can’t shake them off! I have checked the leagues past winners, and 86 points would have been enough to win the league during 8 seasons of the 10 simulated in game. We still have four games to go too. How are Lyon doing this???

Ligue 1 results — four to go in the final frontier

OK focus Darren, just win all four matches and hope Lyon screw up. They have a tough run in with matches away to Toulouse, at home to Lille and away to Auxerre. They MUST drop at least two points! Well, we did everything we could. Beating Valenciennes, FC Lorient, Havre AC and Stade Caen by some small margins. Picking up the maximum of 12 points must secure the title, Lyon have too tougher a run in.

Ligue 1 table — did we do it??

After winning 18 and drawing just one from 19 games, I fully expect to win the title. That is crazy form and led to an amazing 98 points!! So, did we actually finish top……………………….

Have you ever seen a grown man paddy like a little girl??? Well you’re about to! I HATE LYON, I HATE LYON, I HATE LYON!!!! I was so close to the title and had enough points to win it any other season. I honestly started questioning whether the game is fixed and just screwing with me. lol :) Anyway, now that’s out of my system lets look at the French Cup.

French Cup results — screwed by Lyon again?

Well the French Cup went a little better than Ligue 1. The early rounds offered up an easy draw and it wasn’t until the quarter-final that I met a worthy opponent. The most hated club in Bordeaux managed the home draw and I feared the worst. However, my boys fought bravely against a weak Lyon side and we came away 1-0 victors. A wonderful performance and Usia was starting to show some promise in central midfield too. My semi-final opponents were from the lower leagues, Evian were no match for Vidal’s pace and dribbling ability. I watched on as we won 2-0 and even avoided Marseille. Lille had beaten the rock solid side and made it to the final.

French Cup final vs Lille

Finally, a chance to win silverware without Lyon or Marseille hanging over my shoulders. This match was made for us, Lille use four strikers which works well, but my more attacking players have great pace and counter fast. This was demonstrated well as a fast flowing move led to a goal mouth scramble which Bergkamp finished. The rest of the game was dominated by Bordeaux and we ran out deserved 1-0 winners.

Finally something to be happy about. So close to completing the Ultimate European Challenge, but we’ll have to wait another year. With the French Cup secured, I am just left with the Ligue 1 title outstanding, then my cabinet will be complete.

Squad stats

It has been an eventful season, and all my new signings have excelled. Most of all Vidal who scored 41 goals from 39 starts. Then San Roman managed 16 goals and 8 assists, followed closely by Testa’s 5 goals and 15 assists. My biggest surprise came from Bergkamp who had an awful start to the season. A much improved second half saw the Dutch wizard score 10 goals and get 17 assists.

Well that is it for today’s update guys. I should be waving farewell to this challenge, but Lyon crashed my party! Guess 2022 will be my year, until then thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments.