AS Monaco close gap on Paris Saint-Germain

AS Monaco have moved to within two points of Paris Saint-Germain at the summit of Ligue 1 following a 2-0 victory over Rennes at Stade Louis II this evening.

James Rodriguez, who boasts the highest amount of assists in France's top tier, proved that he was equally adept at finishing chances as he was with creating them by opening the scoring for Claudio Ranieri's men.

The 22-year-old's expertly-struck free kick from just outside the area was enough to give les Rouge et Blanc a 19th-minute lead.

17-year-old Anthony Martial then vindicated his coach's decision to hand him his full debut for the visit of Philippe Montanier's men.

The France Under-21 ace, deputising in the absence of the injured Radamel Falcao, received the ball from Emmanuel Riviere, before dispatching a left-footed shot from the centre of the box which proved too good for goalkeeper Benoit Costil.

The visitors seldom threatened staging a comeback and the French giants cruised to a second successive victory to keep the pressure on PSG.

Nevertheless, Laurent Blanc's men can re-establish the team's five-point margin over fellow big spenders by beating Lyon at Parc de Princes tomorrow evening.