Relief as PSG scrape home win over Bordeaux

An almost audible collective sigh of relief blew from the packed stands at the Parc des Princes on Saturday after Paris Saint Germain beat title contenders Bordeaux 1-0.

The only goal came from the Paris club's new signing from Le Havre, Guillame Horau, who collected a ball cleverly served by Sylvain Armand to outfox Girdondins keeper Ulrich Rame and find the net.

Ludovic Giuly, lately of AS Roma, received an ovation from the home supporters in recognition of his sterling efforts in midfield, when he left the park five minutes before the final whistle.

The result was a massive relief for new PSG chairman Charles Villeneuve as he labours to rebuild the club which narrowly escaped relegation last season.

And also for coach Paul Le Guen.

“It's very satisfying and encouraging even if it's not a surprise,” he said.

“This win will do us good, it's precious before two away games. We've been quick to win at home which is important in our relation with our fans.”

Elsewhere, in the somewhat incestuous merry-go-round of 'Ligue Un' Lille performed dismally, losing 3-1 to Le Mans at their first home match of the campaign, with new manager Rudi Garcia struggling to assemble viable opposition against the club who employed him last season.

Sorely missing veteran Senegalese keeper Tony Silva who departed during the holiday, Lille's replacement Gregory Malicki was unable to stop two shots from Le Mans' Norway international Thorstein Helstad and one from Mali international Modibo Maiga. Losc's only goal came from a Bastos free kick.

Monaco and Nantes ended goal-less, the only draw in Saturday's programme.

Caen's playmaker Steve Savidan, bought from Valenciennes inter-season, helped his new club to a 3-1 victory over his former team-mates, when the men from the Toyota car factory town travelled to Normandy.

The 19-year-old Mahame Trahore grabbed his debut goal in Nice's 2-1 home win against Nancy, a close range shot which showed the potential of the youngster from Mali.

Saint Etienne celebrated their introductory home game of the season with a 2-1 win over Sochaux. Their 21-year-old midfielder Blaise Matuidi scored for the green-and-whites, then midfielder Pascal Feindouno's penalty added to the score. A last gasp Sochaux goal from Damien Perquis came too late to change the result.

Sochaux have a new Brazilian defender, Carlao, who speaks no French. Afterwards Sochaux coach Francis Gillot blamed this lack of communication for his team's failure.

Home-grown talent ensured a Toulon victory over visiting Le Havre. A pair of goals from Daniel Congre and Andre Pierre Gignac – neither player has known any other club than the southern seaport – made it 2-1 to the home side

Sunday's programme see seven-times champions Lyon away to Lorient, while Grenoble receive Rennes and Marseille play at home to Auxerre.