Becks deal gives PSG boost in rout of Toulouse

PARIS St Germain followed up its headline-grabbing swoop for David Beckham by crushing 10-man Toulouse 4-0 to open up a three-point lead at the top of Ligue 1 on Friday.

The French leader, which signed free-agent Beckham on Thursday, was without the former England captain who has flown back to his home country and will not start training until February 13.

Carlo Ancelotti's side eased to victory with goals by Javier Pastore, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, his 20th on his 20th league appearance for PSG, Mamadou Sakho and Gregory van der Wiel.

Brazil striker Lucas, another recent recruit, set up two of the goals.

PSG has 48 points from 23 games. Second-placed Olympique Lyon was at AC Ajaccio today.

PSG was without first-choice center backs Thiago Silva and Alex but Toulouse barely threatened as goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu kept a clean sheet for the eighth league game in a row.

The absent Beckham needs a few weeks to restore full fitness after winning the Major League Soccer title with Los Angeles Galaxy in December in his last competitive match.

"He'll come with us to Valencia for the Champions League (last 16) game the day before but will not play," French media quoted PSG sporting director Leonardo as saying about the February 12 clash. "The idea is he'll start training on February 13."

Yesterday, Stade Rennes was looking to cement fourth place when it traveled to Lorient for the Brittany derby.

Olympique Marseille, in third spot, hosts AS Nancy today.

Email Story    Printable View    Blog Story    Copy Headline/URL