PSG beat Saint-Etienne, back in title race

Paris Saint-Germain turned up the heat on Ligue 1 leaders Montpellier with a 2-0 victory at home over Saint-Etienne tonight. Nene's first-half penalty and Javier Pastore's late clincher moved the capital club three points behind Montpellier, who drew yesterday, with three games to go. The hosts were dominant from start to finish and twice hit the post as their opponents did not get a look in. There was plenty of fortune about the opening goal in the 20th minute, though, as PSG were awarded penalty when Sylvain Marchal fouled Jeremy Menez in the area. Nene stepped up and sent goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier the wrong way. Menez then fired against a post from 25 yards before the visitors had their first sight of goal, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was denied by defender Zoumana Camara. PSG almost doubled their lead a minute before the break through Mathieu Bodmer's stunning overhead kick, but Ruffier produced an excellent reflex save to deny him. The capital club continued to create chances after the break, Ruffier pushing away a long-range Pastore effort before Menez shot just wide after a mazy run. Pastore then fired over after Nene's cross came through to him, while Menez crashed a shot from the angle of the area off a post. Ruffier denied Guillaume Hoarau before PSG finally found a second goal in the 87th minute. Hoarau sent Christophe Jallet free down the right and he crossed for Pastore to convert with a side-footed finish and settle any home nerves.