Roma Fights Back Putting Bordeaux To The Sword

Yoann Gourcuff’s first-half strike gave Laurent Blanc’s side the lead, but Mirko Vucinic brought the visitors level midway through the second half, before Julio Baptista struck twice in the final quarter of the match to revive Giallorossi Champions League ambitions.

There was no surrender that typified Bordeaux’s 4-0 defeat by Chelsea in their first match in Group A, however, and a spirited start was rewarded with the opening goal for Bordeaux. Gourcuff (on-loan from AC Milan) cut in from the left flank advancing past two challengers before curling a low shot into the bottom corner of Doni’s net.

Bordeaux’s hopes were undermined when Henrique was dismissed 10 minutes before the interval when he elbowed Simone Perrotta. Laurent Blanc had to change plans, and it appeared to be working as his side held the visitors until after the hour mark when Mirko Vucinic rising highest at the near post
to head powerfully past Bordeaux keeper Matthieu Valverde. Tables now turned, crushing Bordeaux’s spirit, new arrival Julio Baptista took full advantage.

The Brazilian, who replaced former Monaco man Jérémy Menez on 53 minutes, won a free-kick which he subsequently curled over the wall and past a static Valverde before touching home Rodrigo Taddei’s first-time cross seven minutes from time to give the Roman Gladiators their first win of the group stage helping to cancel out the visitors opening day results against Champions League minnows CFR Cluj.

Lineups

Bordeaux (4-1-4-1): Valverde; Chalmè, Henrique, Diawara, Jurietti (78′ Gouffran);
Diarra; Menegazzo, Obertan (40′ Planus), Gourcuff, Jussie (37′ Wendel); Chamakh.

Roma (4-1-4-1): Doni; Cicinho, Mexes, Panucci, Riise; De Rossi; Taddei, Aquilani (63′ Okaka), Perrotta, Menez (53′ Baptista); Vucinic (85′ Brighi).

Goalscorers: Gourcuff (B) 18′, Vucinic (R) 64′, Baptista (R) 71′, 83′.