Berbatov scores as Monaco beats Lille 1-0 to pressure top 3

PARIS (AP) - Veteran striker Dimitar Berbatov scored in the 1-0 win over Lille as fifth-place Monaco extended its unbeaten run to 12 games on Saturday to keep the pressure on the top three in the French league.

Monaco has 11 clean sheets during its unbeaten run, conceded only one goal and has 39 points - one less than fourth-place Saint-Etienne and two behind third-place Paris Saint-Germain, which travels to Saint-Etienne on Sunday. Leader Lyyon has 45 points, one ahead of Marseille.

Berbatov rose above defender David Rozehnal at the front post to head past goalkeeper Vicent Enyeama in the 57th minute for his second goal in three games, and seventh of the season.

Monaco survived an early scare when Joao Moutinho collapsed to the ground after appearing to twist his ankle, but the midfielder was able to continue after treatment.

Lackluster Lille has only scored 17 goals in 22 league games and rarely threatened Monaco's defense, although it had a goal ruled out with 10 minutes remaining when Djibril Sidibe headed in from an offside position after latching onto fellow defender Marko Basa's header.

Coach Rene Girard's team is down in 12th spot after its ninth defeat of the season.

Berbatov went close to adding a second but volleyed wide following a cross from Brazilian defender Fabinho.

On Friday, Marseille failed to win away from home for the eighth straight game as it lost 2-1 at Nice to stay in second place behind Lyon - which hosts struggling Metz on Sunday.

Later Saturday, it's: Bastia vs. Bordeaux; Guingamp vs. Lorient; and Montpellier vs. Nantes.

In Sunday's other matches, it's: Evian vs. Toulouse; Reims vs. Lens; and Rennes vs. Caen.