French Ligue 1 report: Bordeaux win away

Willy Sagnol made a winning start to life as a Ligue 1 manager thanks to Cheick Diabate, who fired Bordeaux to a 1-0 victory at Montpellier on Saturday night.

At 37-years-old, the former France and Bayern Munich defender is embarking on his first campaign as a club manager following a spell in charge of the French Under-21 side, and his future looks bright.

Sagnol set up his side to take charge of proceedings at the Stade de la Mosson and, although they carved out fewer chances, their resolute defending meant they had the game won before half-time.

Anthony Mounier had gone close for the hosts with a drilled effort from the edge of the area before Bordeaux took the lead they would never surrender in the 17th minute.

Maxime Poundje was the creator, his cross finding Diabate in a perfect position to steer a wonderful acrobatic effort beyond Paillade goalkeeper Geoffrey Jourdren.

Montpellier were unlucky to be denied a penalty when Daniel Congre was hauled down in the area and, as the break drew nearer, Morgan Sanson saw his header flicked away by Cedric Carrasso.

Mounier should have done more with Victor Montano's delivery eight minutes after the restart but he dragged the ball wide of the far post.

Montpellier went close again in the 67th minute, Congre winning a duel against Julien Faubert to get to Siaka Tiene's free-kick yet directing his shot off target.

La Paillade threw everything into grabbing a late equaliser but Carrasso was wise to the movement of debutant Kevin Berigaud, who could not tuck away Mathieu Deplange's canny pass to the penalty spot.