Bordeaux build on defensive platform

Marc Planus was delighted after he and fellow FC Girondins de Bordeaux centre-back Michaël Ciani answered their critics in the best way possible, scoring the goals that sunk FC Bayern München.

'Excellent reaction' 
The Ligue 1 titleholders returned to winning ways following a rare blip in their domestic form to move into a commanding position in UEFA Champions League Group A, a 2-1 triumph over Bayern taking them two points clear of Juventus at the top. Bordeaux had been 21 matches unbeaten before back-to-back losses against AS Saint-Etienne and AJ Auxerre, and Planus was relieved to have arrested the slide. "I'm really happy we got the three points," the 27-year-old told uefa.com. "We were under pressure after losing our last two games but we produced an excellent response."

Ciani own goal
Bordeaux's defenders were singled out for criticism in Saturday's 1-0 loss at Auxerre, and Ciani's misfortune continued when he gifted Bayern the lead by inadvertently converting Holger Badstuber's sixth-minute corner. The former FC Lorient man swiftly made amends by equalising – scoring for the second time running in Europe – before Planus' strike five minutes before half-time sealed the points.

'He motivated us'
"It's nice for the two centre-backs to score as well because we've been getting some criticism," Planus continued. "Laurent Blanc told us all to produce a big display. He's been convinced for a few days that we'd perform, which goes to show how much he knows. He really motivated us. We gave absolutely everything, attacking as much as possible through our full-backs, and keeping discipline at the back."

Red cards
If the evening had started well for Louis van Gaal's charges, it quickly turned sour with Thomas Müller sent off moments after Ciani's leveller and Daniel Van Buyten dismissed in the closing stages. Although Luca Toni struck a post, Les Girondins were on top, Yoann Gourcuff and Jussiê both having penalties saved by Hans-Jörg Butt. Despite the hosts' dominance, both Mathieu Chalmé and Jaroslav Plašil urged caution ahead of the return in Germany. "It's a good night because we've beaten a big European club but we've achieved nothing yet," right-back Chalmé told uefa.com. "We need to get a result at Bayern now. If we lose over there and Juventus win, we could be third. Let's play well in Germany and make sure we stay in a strong position."

Plašil warning
Bayern will hope to have attacking trio Franck Ribéry, Arjen Robben and Ivica Olić back by 3 November, and Plašil knows an even tougher task awaits them at the Fußball Arena München. "They're still the great Bayern," the Czech Republic midfielder warned. "They were missing some players but perhaps in two weeks it'll be a different story. This home win allows us to keep on believing. You have to win your home matches and pick up points where you can away. We've got seven now and that's good, but we need to keep going."