Chamakh proves Bordeaux hero

Marouane Chamakh's goal in added time gave ten-man FC Girondins de Bordeaux a priceless first-leg lead after a tight match in Poland against Groclin Grodzisk Wielkopolski.

Groclin on top
Both teams started the game cautiously but soon the home side, whose first ever European campaign has already accounted for Hertha BSC Berlin and Manchester City FC, took control. In the fifth minute Groclin striker Grzegorz Rasiak only just failed to connect with a cross from Piotr Piechniak.

Goal ruled out
Groclin continued to dominate and midfield player Sebastian Mila had the ball in the net after a move involving Piechniak and Tomasz Moskala - only for his strike to be ruled out for offside. The tall Rasiak was causing the Ligue 1 side the most problems at this stage, with a succession of corners forced by Groclin.

Costa dismissed
Home goalkeeper Mariusz Liberda had a quiet half other than a 14th-minute save from Chamakh, while his opposite number Ulrich Ramé was kept busy, not least after Eduardo Costa was dismissed on the half-hour for Bordeaux for violent conduct. Nine minutes later Rasiak was sent through one-on-one with Ramé but could not force the ball in.

Bordeaux find their feet
After the break, though, the ten men of Bordeaux were able to slow the game and gradually looked the more likely team to score. Indeed, Groclin were finding it increasingly difficult to create chances and by the latter stages the visitors were on top.

Late winner
Four minutes from the end Pascal Feindouno forced Liberda to make a fine save. However, just before full-time the goalkeeper could do nothing to prevent Chamakh shooting in after being sent away by Albert Celades to give Bordeaux the advantage for the return next Wednesday.