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Laurent Blanc: Bordeaux’s Win Over Juventus A ‘Reference Match’

Les Girondins powered past the Old Lady of Italian football on Wednesday evening, and Blanc has expressed his delight with their performance...

Nov 26, 2009 1:10:09 PM

Fabio Cannavaro of Juventus clashes with Marouane Chamakh of Bordeaux

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Fabio Cannavaro of Juventus clashes with Marouane Chamakh of Bordeaux

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Laurent Blanc

Girondins Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc has indicated that Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over Juventus should be considered a benchmark to what the French title holders can achieve in the Champions League this season.

The Stade Chaban-Delmas rocked as goals from Fernando and Marouane Chamakh saw the home side accelerate past Juventus, allowing the Garrone side to move well clear at the summit of Group A and claim top spot.

“We can say that it is a successful match,” Blanc told the press after the game in his usual understated manner. “It will certainly be a reference match in the Champions League for Bordeaux.

“We had a fairly complete game. Last year we had a good game against Chelsea, but that did not end the same way. In all phases of play, we were very efficient and rigorous.

“I am very happy and very proud of my team. We have pushed a great side. My players have won many duels against those of Juventus, who we know are very efficient. After the difficulties and the slump in the championship, we could say no more desire Bordeaux.”

As Blanc hinted, les Girondins have not been particularly smooth in Le Championnat, and he aims to correct that over the winter months, when the Champions League is not an issue.

“Now we'll forget the Champions League and concentrate on the championship,” he said. “The luxury to qualify and finish first, we went looking for that. Excuse us for having qualified and finishing in first place.”

Bordeaux still have to play Maccabi Haifa in Israel, but they could be set to send a fringe squad for that fixture, considering Blanc’s words.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com

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