Cengiz Under’s first-half strike earned Olympique de Marseille their first league away win at Bordeaux in 44 years against the COVID-hit side on Friday, as a 1-0 victory sent the visitors second in Ligue 1.
The Turkey international pounced on a poor goal kick from Bordeaux captain Benoit Costil to fire home after 37 minutes, ending a 36-match unbeaten run for the hosts in this fixture, stretching back to October 1977.
The result left Marseille second with 36 points, 10 behind runaway leaders Paris St Germain, while Bordeaux remain 17th with 17 points.
Cengiz Under’s goal sealed Marseille’s first away win at Bordeaux since 1977 on Friday night
Bordeaux coach Vladimir Petkovic was without 17 first-team stars for Covid-related reasons
A steward watches on from the stands as the match was played behind closed doors
The home side were decimated by an outbreak of the novel coronavirus, with 17 first-team members unavailable for COVID-related reasons, but their request earlier in the week to postpone the fixture fell on deaf ears.
In-form Marseille were soon on top at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, which was left empty after the home side decided to close doors following their postponement request and with infections on the rise.
Duje Caleta-Car stabbed a shot off the post from close range early on and Marseilleâs pressure eventually told when Under found the bottom corner following Costilâs error.
The goalkeeper made amends for his mistake after the break by producing sharp saves to deny Caleta-Car, Matteo Guendouzi and Under, but the hosts could not find an equaliser.
Bordeaux supporters hold a placard against the French Football Professional League
Laurent Koscielny arrives to the stadium before the game amid protests by supporters
Bordeaux fans with flares outside the stadium in the build-up to the club’s clash with Marseille
The Bordeaux team bus is greeted by their supporters who weren’t allowed inside the stadium
