PSG focus on Sochaux amid Beckham circus

David Beckham AFP

After a week dominated by David Beckham and a fine Champions League win in Spain, Paris Saint-Germain must focus on a return to domestic duty ahead of its trip to play Sochaux on Sunday.

The Ligue 1 leader is in a strong position to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Champions League after a 2-1 victory against Valencia in the first leg of its last-16 tie on Tuesday.

A day later, Beckham trained with his new team-mates for the first time, drawing crowds of journalists from across the world to PSG's base in the western Paris suburbs.

The club's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, hinted last week that the 37-year-old Englishman - who agreed a five-month contract at the end of January - might make his debut at the mundane surroundings of Sochaux's Stade Bonal, in the shadow of the Peugeot works that are the the small eastern town's raison d'etre.

Just in case he does turn out, members of the world's media will again be present and there will be a sell-out crowd of 20,000 in attendance.

But Beckham should just be a sideshow to PSG's quest for another win that would see it maintain a healthy lead over Lyon and Marseille at the top of the table.

It started the weekend six points clear of OL, and is on a run of 13 games unbeaten in all competitions which includes 12 wins.

"The team is in good shape just now. We have built up lots of confidence," said Ezequiel Lavezzi, who netted the opening goal in Valencia.

Sochaux, meanwhile, lies in the relegation zone.

"Everybody knows that PSG are a great team," said Sochaux's Algerian international playmaker Ryad Boudebouz.

"But if we play without fear, we will have a chance of winning the game."