APOEL have defeated Bordeaux 2-1 in their Europa League clash this evening, with both teams finishing the night with 10 men.

Nektarios Alexandrou gave the home side the perfect start in the 14th minute, after firing in a long-range free kick that gave Bordeaux goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso no chance.

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Stathis Aloneftis then wasted a good chance to double the home side's lead, but his strike failed to trouble Carrasso, before Gregory Sertic saw an effort for Bordeaux kept out by Urko Pardo.

The visitors drew themselves level deep into first-half stoppage time, when Ludovic Obraniak's corner was headed in by Ludovic Sane.

Five minutes into the second half both teams were reduced to 10 men. Landry N'Guemo was given his second booking of the match for fouling Mario Budimir, who himself saw red for an elbow.

Within minutes APOEL retook the lead. Nuno Morais exchanged passes with Constantinos Charalambides before slotting the ball past the keeper.

The visitors had a great chance to equalise in the final minute of the match but Julien Faubert headed wide from just six yards out and the home side held on to claim all three points.