Bordeaux stars express relief

Gourcuff & Chamakh: Got the goals

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Yoann Gourcuff, Wendel and Marouane Chamakh are pleased to have helped prolong Bordeaux's European adventure.

The French champions made hard work of their return date with Olympiakos on Wednesday and put in an uncharacteristically nervous display on home soil.

They did, however, secure a 2-1 win, seeing them through to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League 3-1 on aggregate.

Gourcuff, who broke the deadlock, admits Laurent Blanc's side should have eased through in more comfortable style, but felt they were worthy winners on a night which saw three players sent off.

"We made it hard for ourselves in the second half," the talented playmaker told Canal Plus.

"But we had a fantastic first half, we should actually have been 2-0 or 3-0 up at the break."

Brazilian midfielder Wendel also felt that Bordeaux should have shut up shop once they took an early lead, admitting they found themselves on the ropes once Olympiakos staged a late rally.

Risks

"We scored the goal but then we shouldn't have taken any risks," he said.

"They equalised when it was 10 against 11 and then we had a few problems.

"For the next round, I have no preference. There are great sides like Barcelona, Inter and Manchester (United) who are playing well at the moment.

"With these teams it would be 50-50. If it's Lyon it'll be difficult."

Chamakh wrapped up the result for Bordeaux with a late header, but the highly-rated frontman was keen to pile praise on Gourcuff - the man who helped to make the French side tick.

"When he manages to be in charge of the game, it feels good for everyone in the team," said Moroccan striker, who is reportedly set for a switch to England this summer.

"Everything he tried tonight was a success."