(AP Photo/Daniel Maurer) "Eds note: German spelling of Munich is Muenchen")

Bayern needs to win against Bordeaux

MUNICH (AP) Bayern Munich needs to beat Bordeaux in their Champions League match on Tuesday if Louis van Gaal's team is to get its qualifying campaign on track in Group A.

Bayern's goal is at least to get past the group stage. But after losing 2-1 in Bordeaux, Bayern is third in the group on four points. Bordeaux is top with seven and a win at Allianz Arena would seal the French side's place in the last 16.

"For Bayern, the game is much more important because they are playing at home and they are behind us in the group," Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc said Monday.

Juventus is second on five points and takes on a Maccabi Haifa side which has lost all three games to date.

Bayern will be without key defender Daniel van Buyten, who has scored some important goals for Van Gaal's team, and rising midfielder Thomas Mueller after both were shown red cards in Bordeaux.

"I am very pleased that our destiny is in our own hands," Van Gaal said. "And in any case, we want to finish the game with 11 men."

Van Buyten will be replaced by Martin Demichelis, who has played only one full game since August after a right ankle injury.

Mueller's place is likely to be taken by Arjen Robben, who has returned after minor knee surgery. Robben was rested in Bayern's tepid 0-0 draw at Stuttgart in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

"He still can't play 90 minutes, maybe 30, 35. But he's scored as a substitute and that's important," Van Gaal said.

Bayern is without playmaker Franck Ribery for several weeks because of knee tendinitis, although Luca Toni is likely to return to the attack to pair up with Miroslav Klose. Mario Gomez played in Stuttgart but had little impact.

Defender Edson Braafheid has ankle problems but should be available.

Bordeaux arrives in Munich with playmaker Yoann Gourcuff back in top form and boosted by a 1-0 league win against Monaco that cemented its place as the French leader.

"We still top the French standings and that situation boosts our morale ahead of the Munich game," Brazilian midfielder Wendel said. "But it won't be an easy match. We are going to face a team that plays good football and it will be difficult although they will be without several suspended players.

"We are going to give it all to try and return home with a result. It would be perfect to come back from Munich with the qualification."

"We keep on getting better," Bordeaux defender Marc Planus said. "Bayern has its back to the wall and must win but we want to create a surprise."

Bordeaux will be without defender Henrique, who is out with a knee injury.

Updated November 2, 2009