Aston Villa had to call on all their defensive resolve to contain an impressive Bordeaux in France last night. Bordeaux were the masters, but could not turn their advantage into goals. Aston Villa manager Brian Little introduced Sasha Curcic as substitute for Simon Grayson in the 53rd minute and he finally relieved some of the pressure Villa had found themselves under, by holding the ball in midfield and running at the French which clearly upset their rhythm.

The goalless draw gave the Premiership side a good opportunity to progress to the second round through the return at Villa Park in a fortnight's time.

Bordeaux quickly made their intentions clear and could well have scored as early as the second minute, when a mistake by Steve Staunton allowed Lilian Laslandes to fire in a shot from the edge of the area that was only inches wide of the left-hand upright.

Villa and their 600-strong following were still holding their breath after 15 minutes, when only a post saved them. Sylvain Wiltord crossed from the right, and Laslandes stuck out a foot to toe-poke the ball beyond Mark Bosnich but the effort bounced off the upright and the goalkeeper was able to collect.

Peter Luccin was booked for a hefty challenge on Ian Taylor, then soon after Staunton put Villa under pressure by bringing down Kiki Musampa 25 yards from goal. Jean-Pierre Papin stepped up to curl the free-kick over the wall but shaved the post as Bosnich stood motionless.

Villa played the ball around neatly, trying to build from midfield when the opportunity arose, but they could not keep possession long enough to trouble the well-organised defence.

There was little respite in the second period, either. Wiltord broke quickly from midfield, making ground to the edge of the area before seeing his low shot touched away for a corner.

Bordeaux were again denied by a post, this time after 53 minutes, although credit this time had to go to Bosnich who managed to touch Musampa's fierce drive on to the upright and away for a corner.

Guardian Service

Bordeaux: Rame, Gralak, Saveljic, Afanou, Musampa, Pavon, Luccin (Diabate 84), Grenet (Ferrier 73), Laslands, Wiltord, Papin (Diaware 84). Subs Not Used: Menzo, Jemmali, Ricardinho, Gomis. Booked: Luccin.

Aston Villa: Bosnich, Nelson, Wright, Ehiogu, Staunton, Southgate, Taylor, Grayson (Curcic 53), Draper, Yorke, Collymore. Subs Not Used: Oakes, Charles, Scimeca, Joachim, Murray, Hughes. Booked: Staunton. Atten- dance: 16,000.

Referee: A Ancion (Belgium).