Luiz Felipe Scolari's side faces a tough challenge today against Bordeaux. - File

BORDEAUX, France (AP):

CHELSEA APPEARED to be cruising in the Champions League after consecutive home wins, but one point away from two matches means Felipe Scolari's team looks vulnerable heading into today's match at Bordeaux.

In a reversal of fortune, Laurent Blanc's Bordeaux - which lost their opening two games - can move to the top of Group A if they beat Chelsea and Roma fail to get the better of CFR Cluj in the other group match.

Chelsea had looked certain qualifiers for the knockout round after crushing Bordeaux 4-0 and beating Roma 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.

But away from home, Scolari's team has been far less impressive, drawing 0-0 in Romania and losing 3-1 at Roma, three weeks ago.

"We want to qualify as quickly as possible," Chelsea winger Florent Malouda said. "Bordeaux are playing well at the moment, but because Roma won at home we have no choice, we have to win because we want to qualify."

Seeking measure of revenge

Although Chelsea top Group A with seven points, last year's beaten finalists are only one point ahead of Bordeaux and Roma. Bordeaux will be looking for a measure of revenge for their Stamford Bridge drubbing after getting their campaign back on track by beating Cluj home and away, and welcome back veteran goalkeeper Ulrich Rame after he missed games against Roma and Cluj due to a recurring groin strain.

"If you start looking at the individual quality in Chelsea's squad, you get a headache," Blanc was quoted as saying on the website of sports daily L'Equipe yesterday.

Still in the running

Blanc said Chelsea might have expected to be in a stronger position heading into the match.

"I think that when they saw the draw, they told themselves that the main rivals were Roma," Blanc said. "But two rounds from the end, Bordeaux is still in the running.

"They have realised that, even though they are at home to Cluj on the last day, they need to get points in Bordeaux. Their captain, John Terry, summed up the situation well by saying the match is very important for them. Same for us."

But Blanc needs France midfielder Yoann Gourcuff to be at his best against Scolari's team, which welcomes back playmaker Michael Ballack.

"Everything's to play for. We want to do something really special," Gourcuff said. "Chelsea are a great team that can be decisive at any moment. But in a one-off game, Bordeaux can win."

Chelsea top the Premier League, while Bordeaux trail French league leaders Lyon by eight points and are in sixth place.