French Ligue 1: Metz denied crucial win by Bordeaux

Wahbi Khazri's late equaliser for Bordeaux denied Metz a precious victory and kept them in deep relegation trouble in Ligue 1.

Eight points adrift of the safety line at the start of play, Metz were on course to pick up three when Ferjani Sassi gave them a first-half lead.

But Khazri's 30-yard free-kick in the 83rd minute denied them as he made it 1-1 and made sure the gap remained at eight points, with Bastia beating fellow strugglers Evian to pull away.

In truth the point, which keeps Bordeaux just two points outside the European places, was no less than they deserved.

They went close after just four minutes when Mariano set up Diego Rolan on the edge of the box but goalkeeper Anthony Mfa Mezui saved.

Metz's goal came from a rare attack, Bouna Sarr sending Florent Malouda away down the left to beat two defenders and set up Sassi for a tap-in.

Henri Saivet volleyed Mariano's free-kick just over and Mfa Mezui kept out another Saivet volley as Bordeaux failed to respond before half-time.

The pressure continued after the restart, substitute Enzo Crivelli heading Jaroslav Plasil's corner just off target and then skimming the outside of the post with a shot after good work by Rolan.

Khazri exchanged passes with Rolan and cut in from the left flank towards goal, but sent his shot straight at Mfa Mezui.

But a deserved equaliser finally arrived seven minutes from time when Guido Milan fouled Crivelli and Khazri set his sights from distance before curling a shot low inside the far post.