Montpellier took a big step toward winning the French league title for the first time on Monday, beating Rennes 2-0 to move three points ahead of second-place Paris Saint-Germain. Montpellier needs a win and a draw from the remaining two matches to guarantee finishing above big-spending PSG, which hasn't won the league since 1994. A draw for Montpellier will be enough if PSG loses this weekend, or a win if PSG draws. If both win their games, the league will go down to the last day and could end up being settled on goal difference. PSG's 4-3 win at Valenciennes Sunday had pulled it level at the top, and the onus was on Montpellier to respond. “We were under a bit of pressure but we dealt with that,” Montpellier midfielder Geoffrey Dernis said. “We've shown that we have a lot of character and that we're mentally strong.” Striker Souleymane Camara atoned for an injury-time penalty miss against Evian last week by putting Montpellier ahead in the 26th minute. An own goal from Rennes goalkeeper Benoit Costil made it 2-0 early in the second half. At the final whistle, coach Rene Girard hugged president Louis Nicollin, who has owned Montpellier since 1974. “We controlled the game,” midfielder Jamel Saihi said. “It's looking good for us, although it's not over yet.” Defending champion Lille also Monday, beating Caen 3-0 to move within two points of PSG.
