Anderlecht started well and the champions were able to control the game early on.

The Anderlecht players appeared to have been hearted by their recent improved league form and they kept the Bordeaux keeper Ulrich Ramé busy early on in the half.

As the first half moved on, Anderlecht still had the most possession.

Nevertheless, it was Bordeaux that created most of the chances.

Jussie and Obertan lacked that final touch for Bordeaux and Jan Polak shot Anderlecht’s best chance of the half over the bar.

Mpenza gives Sporting hope

Anderlecht went on the offensive at the start of the second half.

Serhat looked especially dangerous. He was just millimetres away from connecting with a Chatelle cross that would have put Anderlecht one up.

On the hour it was Chatelle’s turn to test the Bordeaux keeper Ramé.

Moments later Anderlecht’s Pareja lost the ball, allowing Cavenaghi to break into the box.

Juhasz has little choice other than to bring him down. Ref Tagliavento gave Bordeaux a penalty.

Anderlecht wasn’t going to take things lying down though and the champions equalised when Polak surprised Ramé with hard and fast strike into goal.

The match appeared to be heading towards a draw when substitute Mbo Mpenza struck the ball under Ramé to make it 2-1 to Anderlecht.

The second leg of the tie will be played in Bordeaux next Thursday.