Paul Bernardoni – Girondins de Bordeaux (01/11/2017)

This is a remarkably rare collector's item from the electric atmosphere of knockout matches. This match-issued (prepared for the match) jersey was assigned to the promising French goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni for Girondins de Bordeaux's home match against EA Guingamp in the Coupe de la Ligue quarter-finals.

Match Context: An Offensive Festival Securing a Spot in the Semifinals

In this decisive clash at Matmut Atlantique (2016-2017 season), Jocelyn Gourvennec's men were surprised early by Sloan Privat (12th minute). Stirred into action, Bordeaux reacted: François Kamano equalized with a header (16th minute), before Gaëtan Laborde gave his team the lead (36th minute). After halftime, the striker scored an opportunistic second goal to extend the lead (65th minute). The expulsion of Breton Jimmy Briand complicated matters for the visitors, who still managed to pull a goal back late in the match through Nicolas Benezet (88th minute). Solid and disciplined, the Aquitanians held firm against Guingamp's final assaults and brilliantly secured a deserved qualification for the competition's semi-finals (3-2).

Paul Bernardoni: The Reliable Backup with a Leader's Temperament

An athletic goalkeeper with exceptional reflexes on his line and excellent aerial play, the young international prospect Paul Bernardoni was continuing his high-level training at the club, representing the future of French goalkeeping in this demanding position. As a backup for this Cup match and on the bench, the player wore this specific item throughout the game, experiencing the intensity of this quarter-final firsthand. Featuring the official Coupe de la Ligue patch on the sleeve, specific flocking, and all the professional markings of the era, this jersey stands as an absolutely magnificent Cup collector's item.