Saint-Etienne bounced back from their midweek Europa League disappointment to beat Bordeaux 2-1 at home on Sunday and move level on points with Ligue 1 leaders Marseille.

Saint-Etienne crashed out in the play-off round on Thursday, losing to Danish side Esbjerg 5-3 on aggregate, but goals from Romain Hamouma and captain Loic Perrin ensured there was no European hangover for Christophe Galtier's side.

"I expected a reaction after our Europa League elimination and the best response was the one we produced on the pitch even if there were times we suffered from fatigue and people playing out of position," said Galtier afterwards.

"It's a good win as we were coming off a big disappointment," he added.

Josuha Guilavogui was held out of the hosts' squad with the France midfielder on the verge of a move to Atletico Madrid, but despite his absence Saint-Etienne went in front on eight minutes.

Banel Nicolita was afforded too much time on the right and his teasing cross was volleyed expertly past Bordeaux goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso by Hamouma.

The home side came close to a second just before half-time as Fabien Lemoine rattled the post, and Perrin went onto double their advantage five minutes after the break as he nodded in Benjamin Corgnet's free-kick.

Ludovic Obraniak ensured the hosts were made to face a nervy finish as he cut the deficit with a thunderous strike in the 90th minute, but Saint-Etienne held on to record a third win in four outings and climb up to second.

Table-topping Marseille, who have a maximum nine points from three matches, host fourth-place Monaco in Sunday's late kick-off.

Meanwhile, Nice will look to put their Europa League exit behind them when they host Montpellier.