Michael Ciani’s 45th minute header of a swerving free kick by midfield maestro Yoann Gourcuff was the difference. It was a tough away win against Greek champions Olympiakos and it makes them firm favourites to advance to the quarterfinals.
However, the home side was not done. Matt Derbyshire’s CL debut brought a sharpness to the attack and Bordeaux were pressed hard as Lomana Lua Lua, Enzo Maresca, and Ieroklis Stoltidis all came close to scoring an equalizer and more.
Derbyshire became a legend in Olympiakos history as he scored two goals in the 2009 Greek Cup final as they tied AEK Athens before a marathon 15-14 penalty shootout settled the title in their favour. The ex Blackburn striker has since then been sidelined by a groin injury that has kept him out for almost 7 months.
Bordeaux look the complete package and I for one will not be surprised if they get to the CL semi- finals or even the finals.
Arsenal connections: Olympiakos striker Diogo Los Santo was a firm Arsenal target about two years ago when he was a wonder kid at Portugesa. Wenger was looking to bolster his attack after Eduardo’s devastating ankle injury and amidst Adebayor’s almost certain exit to AC Milan.
Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh has been linked with Arsenal so many times, I am surprised to see him still wear a Les Girondins jersey. Yoann Gouffran has also been mentioned as a Wenger prospect. David Bellion, widely considered as one of Sir Alex’s biggest busts was an Arsenal target before Man Utd prevailed.