Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc praised his players as they bounced back to form with a 2-1 win over Bayern Munich last night.

Les Girondins have lost their last two games in Ligue 1, but their victory over the Germans catapulted them to the top of Group A.

The night started poorly for Bordeaux when Michael Ciani put through his own net after just six minutes, although the defender made amends on the half-hour when he expertly turned in a corner.

The Germans then had Thomas Muller sent off and from there Bordeaux dominated the match with Marc Planus' 41st-minute winner enough to secure an impressive win.

"I thought that we would have a big game, and we did. I am very happy with my players," Blanc, whose side could have won by more after Yoann Gourcuff and Jussie both had second-half penalties saved, said after the match.

"They showed their desire to battle. We have seen a good Bordeaux tonight.

"The players gave their all and took on board what we have said all week - that we must stick to the fundamentals."

Blanc reserved special praise for Ciani and his fellow defenders after admitting he had been unhappy with their display following the 1-0 defeat to Auxerre last weekend.

"Starting with Micka (Ciani) and right through the defence I was satisfied," he added.

"I had criticised some of them after the Auxerre game and they have taken that into account.

"In the Champions League the first 15 minutes are important. In that period players are trying to force themselves into the game. Bayern scored in that period and made a good start, but ironically that helped us get into the game."

The win strengthens Bordeaux's hopes of reaching the knockout phases, with the French side now two points clear of nearest rivals Juventus.

Match-winner Planus said his team-mates would not look that far ahead though, admitting he was just pleased to get back to winning ways.

"We were eager to secure a result against a big team because lately our form has been a bit down," he said.

"It is good to be first in the group, but we know there is still a long way to go.

"I am happy for Micka (Ciani) because mentally it is difficult after you score an own goal after just five minutes. It was great for him to respond the way he did."