21 August 2006, by Sean Gillen

Tiago impresses in ominous Lyon win

Bordeaux 1-2 Lyon

Portuguese midfielder Tiago made his first appearance of the season as champions Lyon came from behind to earn what could be a crucial three points away at title contenders Bordeaux.

Lyon boss Gerard Houllier recalled several of his World Cup stars for the first time this season for the clash at the Stade Chaban-Delmas. Bordeaux, who finished as runners-up last season, went into the game with a 100% record from their opening two games and in the knowledge that another victory would see them go top, with the added bonus of an early-season 5-point lead over Lyon.

That looked a strong possibility when, after just five minutes, Julien Faubert escaped the attentions of Lyon captain Claudio Cacapa to meet a Ducasse free-kick and power his header past Coupet to give the home side the lead.

The goal did not rattle Lyon, however, and the champions seized the initiative almost immediately. Right-back Francois Clerc headed a Juninho free-kick wide when well-placed, before the Brazilian playmaker thundered a long-range set piece off the crossbar.

Midfield general Tiago

Lyon began the game without midfield star Mahmadou Diarra, who is set to join Spanish giants Real Madrid next week. Diarra’s departure will see more responsibility in the midfield fall on the shoulders of former Benfica man Tiago, and the Portuguese international is already showing signs of becoming the club’s new inspiration in the middle of the pitch.

After 20 minutes, Tiago won the ball on the halfway line and began a surging run at the heart of the Bordeaux defence, resulting in a shot that flew wide of Ulrich Rame’s post. He then played a major part in the Lyon equaliser when winger Florent Malouda cut inside and laid the ball across to Tiago on the edge of the area, with the Portuguese’s first-time shot deflecting in off Brazilian forward Fred.

Juninho shot wide and Cacapa should have put Lyon ahead with a close range header as the champions began to dominate proceedings before half time. The only real moment of danger from Bordeaux before the break came when Jemmali’s pullback from the right found Moroccan Chamakh inside the penalty box, but the forward’s shot was brilliantly blocked by Tiago.

The first 20 minutes of the second half were disrupted by constant fouls and several harsh bookings, one of which was awarded to Tiago for a challenge on Faubert. Micoud then forced Coupet into an excellent right-handed save and Chamakh should have done better with a header as Bordeaux began to threaten with 25 minutes left.

Lyon grabbed a late winner, though, with just five minutes left on the clock. There was a hint of offside in the build-up which saw Kim Kallstrom in on goal, with the Swedish summer recruit from Rennes clipping the ball wide of the onrushing Rame to find Sylvain Wiltord in the six-yard box, and the forward nodded into an empty net.

The result sees Lyon move up to second place, behind leaders Marseille, after three games, and the champions are looking strong again as they aim to win a record-breaking sixth straight league title in La Championat this season.

Bordeaux:
Rame, Jurietti (Alonso, 89), Jemmali, Faubert, Marange, Planus, Ducasse (Laslandes, 87), Mavuba, Micoud, Darcheville (Francia, 73), Chamakh
Yellow Cards: Chamakh (16), Mavuba (17), Jemmali (55), Micoud (57)

Lyon:
Coupet, Reveillere, Abidal, Cris, Cacapa, Toulalan, Tiago, Juninho (Kallstrom, 83), Malouda, Clerc (Wiltord, 72), Fred (Benzema, 83)
Yellow Cards: Fred (15), Cris (45), Juninho (46), Tiago (59)

Goals:
[1-0] Faubert, 5
[1-1] Fred, 28
[1-2] Wiltord, 86