Home comforts for Bordeaux

Faouzi Ghoulam: Denied by the woodwork

Bordeaux extended their unbeaten record at the Stade Chaban Delmas to 26 Ligue 1 matches but a goalless draw with St Etienne did not do much to advance either side's hopes of a top three spot.

Both teams had the chance to move within two points of the Champions League places with victory although the closest either side came to scoring was when Faouzi Ghoulam's long-range strike came back off the bar.

Les Girondins' failure to find the net was their first time they had not scored at home since September 2011.

Yet despite their enviable record at the Chaban Delmas the hosts were firmly on the back foot in the first half as St Etienne looked to make amends for losing at home to league leaders Lyon on Sunday.

Romain Hamouma's strike from just outside the area was deflected away by Ludovic Sane but the midfielder should have done better when his close-range effort from Josuha Guilavogui's through ball was marvellously tipped away by Bordeaux goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso.

The visitors continued to attack and after Bordeaux had insufficiently failed to clear their lines, Ghoulam's piledriver from 25 yards came rattling off the crossbar, while after the interval, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's low effort produced another fine save from Carrasso.

Opposite number Stephane Ruffier had to be alert to stop Yoan Gouffran's volley from Gregory Sertic's free-kick as Bordeaux attempted to gain a foothold in the match.

There was little urgency in the closing stages although Bordeaux nearly grabbed a late winner, with Ruffier having to block Brazilian Jussie's first-time attempt from the edge of the box as the spoils were shared.

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