Krong Angkor

Bordeaux back on top of French pile

PARIS (AFP) - Bordeaux marched two points clear of the chasing pack in the French league on Sunday with a 3-0 win at modest Nancy to end a sticky run of two straight domestic losses.

Although Laurent Blanc's Girondins have dominated their Champions League group at the expense of Juventus and Bayern Munich they had slipped up in their last league outings at Lille and against Valenciennes to leave the field clear to Auxerre.

But Auxerre's 1-0 loss Saturday at Paris Saint Germain gave the southwesterners the chance to move back to the summit and they did not let the chance slip, with Brazilian pair Fernando and Wendel and Gouffran all hitting the target at the Stade Marcel Picot.

Blanc was well satisfied after his side took their points tally to 28 from 14 games with Auxerre on 26, surprise package Lorient on 25 and Lyon - in action in the late match at home to Rennes on 25.

"I think my players realised their performances in the past four matches were not those of a side seeking to place in the top three but rather the bottom three," said the former France defender.

"We realised this could not continue, rediscovered our motivation, and our mobility to put our rivals under pressure. We produced a lot of dangerous situations, created a lot and were solid at the back.

"We have realised we must now put the Champions League to bed until February-March and concentrate on the important thing, which is being able to play in it next season."

Coming off a midweek win over Juventus and already through to the knockout phase in Europe, Bordeaux were further cheered by Lorient dropping two points in a 2-2 draw with winless tailenders Grenoble.

Bordeaux had not scored a win over Nancy since the latter's return to the top flight two seasons ago but after losing three of their last four encounters against the northerners they turned the tables and left their hosts hovering dangerously close to the drop zone.

Even more satisfying for Blanc would have been a win achieved at cruise control in the absence of French international playmaker Yoann Gourcuff, still getting over a groin strain.