Blanc admits Bordeaux are underdogs to reach last four

(REUTERS)

Bordeaux will have to fix their defensive frailties if they are to overcome a two-goal deficit against Lyons in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at Stade Chaban-Delmas tonight.

Two defensive mistakes and a penalty gave Lyons a 3-1 home victory in the first leg last week. "Even though we'll have to score [at least] two goals, the key will be to defend well," Laurent Blanc, the Bordeaux coach, said. "If we succeed in correcting those defensive mistakes, we can hope for something great."

Unfortunately, Blanc's side have suffered a dip in form at a bad time, a run of three defeats seeing them relinquish the lead in Ligue 1 to Lyons on Saturday, as well as trailing to them in the Champions League. Blanc now admits Les Girondins are underdogs. "Nobody expects us to knock Lyons out of the Champions League," he said. "But it could be a source of motivation for the players."

Lyons are looking to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in their history, but both their Argentine striker Lisandro Lopez and winger Sidney Govou are suspended. Midfielder Jean Makoun will also be missing after injuring his groin in the first leg, while centre-half Mathieu Bodmer is doubtful after hurting his hamstring in the 2-1 league win at Rennes on Saturday.

The Lyons goalkeeper Hugo Lloris said: "The first 20 minutes will be decisive because Bordeaux will try everything to reverse the momentum before its fans."