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Other Football

Bordeaux's grip on the Ligue 1 title loosened just a little as Auxerre came from behind to win at Stade Chaban-Delmas.

Ireneusz Jelen's 83rd-minute strike gave the visitors a victory which not only meant Les Girondins remained top on goal difference alone from Montpellier, but also put them within a point of the summit.

Earlier, Jelen had struck five minutes after the hour mark to cancel out Benoit Tremoulinas' fortuitous opener.

The left-back sent in what was surely a cross after seven minutes but the ball looped over Olivier Sorin and just under the crossbar.

Bordeaux dominated the early exchanges, with Yoann Gourcuff setting up Jussie to fire over from 20 yards, then playing a clever ball to release Gregory Sertic, whose shot was acrobatically pushed over by Sorin.

Cedric Hengbart rose highest but headed Benoit Pedretti free-kick wide with a rare Auxerre attack after half an hour, before the lively Gourcuff sent a strike over from 25 yards.

On the stroke of half-time, Auxerre had a penalty claim turned away when Pedretti appeared to be brought down by Gregory Sertic.

Auxerre were an improved side after the break and Denis Oliech dispossessed Bordeaux substitute Carlos Henrique before teeing up Daniel Niculae on the right side of the penalty area, however the forward dragged a right-footed effort just wide of Cedric Carrasso's goal.

Just before the hour mark, Sertic controlled well on the right wing and squared to Gourcuff, but he could not get a good contact on his shot.

Shortly after, Auxerre were level.

Niculae was released through on goal in the right channel, and he pulled the ball across for Jelen to convert simply from 12 yards.

Auxerre pushed for a winner with Niculae volleying just wide, while at the other end Fernando Cavenaghi sent an extravagant half-volley just over from about 30 yards.

The winner came when Jelen's shot bounced off the crossbar and the Polish striker pounced on the rebound to grab his second of the game.