Argentinian striker Fernando Cavenaghi scored twice as Bordeaux battled back from a goal down to beat nine-man Nancy 2-1 in the French championship on Saturday.

The victory kept Bordeaux in second place in the table, seven points ahead of Nancy, and boosted their hopes of Champions League football next season.

Nancy haven’t won at Bordeaux since 1996 but they were ahead on Saturday on the half-hour mark when Moncef Zerka scored following a corner from Benjamin Gavanon.

Cavenaghi, who had started the day with 10 goals to his name this season, levelled on 53 minutes when Fernando Wendel’s corner was met by Souleymane Diawara.

The Argentinian was quickest to the pass and scored with a diving header despite the close attentions of Andre Luiz. Nancy then had Jonathan Brisan sent off for a foul on Mathieu Chalme.

Cavenaghi wrapped up the three points from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute.

Chris Malonga was penalised for a foul on Johan Micoud and Cavenaghi coolly slotted the ball past Nancy goalkeeper Gennaro Bracigliano.

Nancy finished the match with nine men after Frederic Biancalani was sent-off for a second bookable offence in the closing moments.

“Things went our way tonight, but that’s not always the case,” said Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc. “I understand that Nancy aren’t happy with the referee. They lost the match and lost two players. It was a very bad evening for them.” Nancy coach Pablo Correa was furious with losing two men.

“Do I feel a sense of injustice? There are children listening so I can’t tell you what I think. I haven’t seen the penalty decision. I don’t want to see it.

“Some days it goes for you, some days it does not. But the championship is a long way from being over. There are seven more games to go. I told the players to stay calm and concentrate.”

Reigning champions Lyon travel to Valenciennes on Sunday but the home side will be buoyant after beating Bordeaux 3-1 last weekend.

Lyon notched up a thrilling 4-2 victory over PSG last week and can restore their nine-point lead with a win.

Valenciennes sit in ninth spot but within touching distance of a European berth and will be going all out to leapfrog the four clubs above them despite their coach and former PSG player Antoine Kombouare acknowledging that Lyon will likely again be crowned French champions.

“We will be hosting the future champions of France and we will have to be at our best for the game,” said Kombouare, who has been widely touted as the favourite to replace Paul Le Guen at PSG should the latter be removed from his post.

Fourth-placed Marseille travel to Lorient eager to nail down a qualifying spot for European football next season.

They will be under pressure from Nice and Le Mans, in fifth place three points adrift, who play Sochaux and Caen respectively.

Source:Soccer News