PSG tops Montpellier to go eight clear at the top

Zlatan Ibrahmovic had the assist on Kevin Gameiro's game-winning goal against Montpellier.

Francois Mori/AP

PARIS (AP) -French leader Paris Saint-Germain warmed up for its Champions League quarterfinal against Barcelona with a scrappy 1-0 win at home to Montpellier on Friday.

Substitute Kevin Gameiro poked home the winner in the 80th minute after being set up by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The win moves PSG provisionally eight points clear of Lyon, which hosts Sochaux on Sunday.

"It was a difficult game, but an important one. Montpellier are a very good side. It's good to win before we face Barcelona,'' PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti said.

Ibrahimovic went close early on after running onto Marco Verratti's pass and lofting the ball over the crossbar, while center half Alex forced a fine save from goalkeeper Geoffrey Jourdren as PSG dominated the first half.

Ibrahimovic set up a great chance for winger Jeremy Menez early in the second half, nodding down a cross into his path, but he shot wide.

Montpellier threatened on the break with the pace of winger Remy Cabella.

David Beckham came on as a substitute with 20 minutes left and helped PSG increase the tempo of the game.

"Beckham played very well when he came on, so did Gameiro,'' Ancelotti said. "He scored a good goal. David brought us his experience and composure.''