|
Bordeaux 1-4 Valencia The Spanish side need only draw their home match with already-qualified Manchester United in the last game next week to go through on the strength of the superior head-to-head record against Fiorentina. Even if they lose to United they will still go through if the Italians fail to beat Girondins Bordeaux in Florence. Valencia went in front at the end of an evenly balanced first half with a goal by Yugoslav defender Miroslav Dukic. Bordeaux goalkeeper Ulrich Rame saved a searing shot from Kily Gonzalez but at the ensuing corner Djukic stuck out a foot and turned the ball home at the near post. They increased the lead three minutes after halftime with a penalty by captain Gaizka Mendieta after Bordeaux's Yugoslav defender Nisa Saveljic brought down striker Juan Sanchez. Saveljic, as the last man in defence, was sent off - Bordeaux's second red card in successive Champions League matches. Bordeaux's 10 men then raised their game, as they did last week against United when they had Lilian Laslandes sent off, and pulled a goal back six minutes later with a superb low shot from Sylvain Wiltord. Bordeaux midfielder Johan Micoud headed just over the bar soon after but the Spaniards survived the pressure and gradually reasserted control. Argentine midfielder Gonzalez secured Valencia's victory in the 71st minute when he took a ball from Sanchez and threaded a fine shot from five metres through a tiny gap between Rame and his near post. Captain Michel Pavon made a diving interception to prevent what looked a certain goal from Valencia's French defender Jocelyn Angloma in the 87th, but Juan Sanchez found a gap in injury time to complete a great night for the visitors.
|
Click here for latest transfer news
|
All pictures are courtesy of Reuters Limited |