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Published: Thursday October 1, 2009 MYT 7:48:00 AM

Ciani gives Bordeaux 1-0 win over Maccabi

BORDEAUX, France (AP): Defender Michael Ciani's late second-half goal Wednesday gave Bordeaux a 1-0 win over Maccabi Haifa after having been frustrated by the Israeli champions.

Against a well-organized Maccabi team that proved stronger than expected, Bordeaux was short on scoring chances before Ciani headed in substitute Gregory Sertic's corner in the 83rd minute.

Maccabi was dangerous until the end, with substitute midfielder Lior Rafaelov forcing goalkeeper Carrasso to make a good save in the 79th with a powerful shot.

Maccabi was reduced to 10 men after Biram Kayal was sent off following a foul on Benoit Tremoulinas in the 88th.

Frustrated by his team's performance, Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh slapped teammate Daniel Keinan in the face in a gesture that could have seen him sent off by referee Eric Braamhaar in the 23rd.

In the other Group A game, Bayern Munich was held to a scoreless draw by Juventus.

Bayern and Bordeaux both have four points but the German team leads with a better goal difference. Maccabi is last without a point after its 3-0 opening loss against Bayern.

"It was crucial for us to win this match," Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc said. "And we did it after a great deal of effort. Bordeaux was not at its best tonight."

Despite starting the game with two forwards - Fernando Cavenaghi and Chamakh - Bordeaux struggled to outpace the Maccabi defense.

Having lots of midfield possession, Maccabi exerted pressure and Biram Kayal dragged his half-volley wide in the 15th minute.

Tremoulinas went close when his cross surprised goalkeeper Nir Davidovich, forcing him to clear for a corner in the 22nd.

Maccabi defender Peter Masilela almost broke the deadlock on a counterattack in the first half, but his shot was saved by Carrasso in the 27th.

France playmaker Yoann Gourcuff showed signs of fatigue and was never a factor, prompting Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc to replace him with Fernando Menegazzo after the interval.

According to his coach, Gourcuff picked up a minor injury and could be sidelined for a few days.

"His left groin is painful," Blanc said. "He is going to rest a bit and it will do him good. Bordeaux will be penalized and maybe the France team, too."

France plays the Faeroe Islands in a World Cup qualifier on Oct. 10 before hosting Austria four days later with a playoff spot at stake.

Blanc made a second change by bringing on David Bellion to replace a disappointing Cavenaghi in second half. Bellion showed pace but fluffed his shot on a pass from Chamakh in the 70th.

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