Ten Men, Two Penalties, Two Dropped Points

Bordeaux maintains edge over Montpellier


Bordeaux, France (Sports Network) - Alberto Costa scored in stoppage time, but Montpellier wasted a chance to take over the lead in France's Ligue 1, because Bordeaux goalie Cedric Carrasso saved two penalties in a 1-1 tie Sunday at the Stade Jacques Chaban-Delmas.
Bordeaux, which played the final 58 minutes with 10 men, was saved by Carrasso and his two first-half penalty stops. He denied Costa in the 33rd, and Victor Montano in the 42nd.
Marouane Chamakh fired Bordeaux, which has played two fewer matches, into the lead in the 59th but Montpellier escaped with a point when Costa converted off a free kick in the final seconds.
Bordeaux leads the league on goal differential. Lyon is just two points behind in third.
Michael Ciani conceded the first penalty kick for a foul that earned him a red card, but Costa's left-footed attempt was saved in the middle by Carrasso.
Matthieu Chalme handed Montpellier another chance before halftime when he was called for a handball, but Montano's effort was saved at the bottom right.
Chamakh scored off a right-footed shot in the 59th to the bottom left, and the hosts were in position to earn all three points despite being short-handed.
Montpellier, which was just promoted to Ligue 1 this season, managed to escape with a point when Costa curled a left-footed shot into the lower-right corner. [end story]

94th minute.  I couldn't believe it.  It looked as if Bordeaux would hold off Montpellier, despite being down to ten men for over an hour.  Chamakh's goal (he scored two...first one should have counted too) was fantastic and Cedric Carrasso saving two penalties...priceless!
Bordeaux still have two matches on Montpellier and three on third-place Lyon.  With the matches piling up it will be backs to the wall to win the championship.
Allez, Bordeaux!

Cham fighting against Montpellier

Cham scoring against Montpellier (his first goal was disallowed...inexplicably)

Celebrating with the crowd

Cham finds cuff!

More Chamcuff!!

Awwww...more Chamcuff!

These two should never be separated!