Rate it!

1 votes

Michael Ciani gave an under-par Bordeaux all three points in their Champions League Group A clash at home to 10-man Maccabi Haifa.

Ciani towered above the Israeli outfit's backline to power home a corner in the 84th minute and bring relief to coach Laurent Blanc, whose side had been outclassed by the visiting Israelis.

Bordeaux knew victory was necessary ahead of back-to-back clashes with German giants Bayern Munich, but their play was sluggish and lacked the necessary spark throughout.

In the opening phase it was the visitors who seemed the more likely to make something happen.

Maccabi looked comfortable with full-backs Tsepo Masilela and Eyal Mshumar causing all sorts of problems for Bordeaux: the latter forced Bordeaux keeper Cedric Carrasso to punch away with a sweet right-footed strike from distance.

As the half-hour mark approached Masilela sent a stinging left-footed drive across Carrasso's goal which he parried away with a strong hand.

Bordeaux were fortunate to still have 11 men on the pitch as Marouane Chamakh appeared to strike out.

It reflected a frustrating first half for Blanc's men, with Yoann Gourcuff's his link-up play disappointing for once and both Chamakh and Fernando Cavenaghi blunted in attack.

The second half was an ultimately drab affair, brought to life by two major incidents.

Ciani's goal six minutes from time was the first, while the other was a reckless lunge by Maccabi's Baram Kayal on Bordeaux full-back Benoit Tremoulinas minutes later which left the referee with no option but to brandish a red card.

The frustration had mounted for the away team, who deserved something out of the match; they now prop up Group A having lost twice.

Bordeaux are tied with Bayern, who drew 0-0 with Juventus, at the top on four points.

Liam Graf / Eurosport