Pauleta double lifts PSG

AFP - 21 April 2007 20:12

Paris Saint-Germain´s forward Pauleta celebrates after scoring a goal during their French L1 football match against Nantes at the Parc des Princes in Paris. A double from Pauleta lifted Paris Saint Germain to a 4-0 win over relegation-rivals Nantes on Saturday, a victory which could prove vital to the Parisians´ bid to beat the drop.

PARIS (AFP) - A double from Portuguese striker Pauleta lifted Paris Saint Germain to a 4-0 win over relegation-rivals Nantes on Saturday, a victory which could prove vital to the Parisians' bid to beat the drop.

Rockbottom Nantes, however, look set for the second division next season just six years after they won the last of their domestic titles, as the side from southern Brittany showed a lack of fighting spirit during a tie in which they rarely threatened their hosts.

Pauleta - who had been left out of the starting team for the past few matches - opened with a superb free kick taken after 17 minutes with midfielder Jerome Rothen finding the net for the first time this season two minutes before the break.

Pauleta claimed his second on 65 and a minute later helped Peguy Luyindula score the fourth which compounded the misery of Nantes.

PSG now have 38 points with five more matches to play.

Coach Paul Le Guen believes that his side need 43 points to survive, but the Parisians face a tough end to the season with ties against highflying Toulouse, leaders and almost certainly champions Lyon, Nice, Troyes and Lorient on the cards.

Only a miracle can save the Canaries who look set for the drop for the first time since their first division adventure began in 1963.