Wiltord gives tired Lyon a 1-1 draw at Bordeaux

A second half strike by Sylvain Wiltord gave Olympique Lyon a hardly deserved 1-1 draw at Girondins Bordeaux in a top of Ligue 1 match yesterday.

Lyon extended their unbeaten run to seven games since the start of the season and have 17 points, three more than Le Mans and four off Paris St Germain who visit St Etienne today.

The French title holders looked tired four days after their stylish 3-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid.

Bordeaux, who have title ambitions, went in front thanks to a superb goal from Czech international Vladimir Smicer in the seventh minute.

The former Liverpool player beat two Lyon defenders and fired the ball home from 18 metres, leaving goalkeeper Gregory Coupet no chance.

Lyon had to wait until the 64th minute for the equaliser from Wiltord who volleyed home a cross by defender Anthony Reveillere.

A possible Bordeaux winner from substitute midfielder Fernando 12 minutes from time was ruled offside.

"It was a tough match. We lacked consistency during the first half but we played much better after the interval," said Lyon coach Gerard Houllier.

"They were physically in a better shape than we were so I'm pleased with the draw here. We had to fight for it but I would say it's deserved."

Bordeaux's Brazilian coach Ricardo said: "We should have won. I'm not sure the offside decision was right. We should have scored a second goal."

He added: "They hardly had a chance to score while we dominated for most of the match. Now we must be more efficient up front."

Yesterday's results: Nancy vs Metz 1-1; Nantes vs Toulouse 2-0; Bordeaux vs Olympique Lyon 1-1; Le Mans vs Sochaux 2-1; Lille vs Nice 4-0. Playing today: Auxerre vs Ajaccio; Monaco vs Rennes; Marseille vs Troyes; Strasbourg vs Lens; St Etienne vs Paris St Germain.

Standings: Lyon 17; Le Mans 14; Paris St Germain 13; Lille, Bordeaux 12; Lens, Nantes 11; Ajaccio, St Etienne 10; Troyes 9; Nice 8; Monaco, Auxerre 7; Rennes 6; Sochaux, Marseille, Toulouse 5; Nancy, Metz 4; Strasbourg 3.