Despite the defeat to Lens, Monaco secures a place in the Champions League
On the 34th day of Ligue 1, Racing Club de Lens inflicted a beating on AS Monaco (4-0).
Forced to achieve a better result than OM to secure second place, Monaco quickly took control of the ball. Their possession was rather sterile and far from the best Monegasque performances seen in recent months. At times inconsistent this season, this Monegasque team didn’t show its best side, notably due to its technical inadequacy.
It must be said that on the other side, the Sang et Or, far from being imperial at home this season, showed their desire to reward their fans for the last match of the season at Bollaert. More determined in the duels, the Lensois opened the scoring thanks to midfielder El Aynaoui (1-0, 21st) with a header. It could even have been 2-0 after striker Koyalipou’s goal (29th), logically disallowed for a foul by Zaroury. Despite clear chances for Ben Seghir and especially Ilenikhena, neutralized by goalkeeper Ryan, it was not enough for Monaco at halftime, especially since OM were leading against Rennes.
We expected to see ASM react. But after the break, it was Lens who stepped on the accelerator and forced Magassa to be sent off (52nd)! With 10 against 11, it was becoming too tough for Monaco, or too easy for Lens. Then El Aynaoui (2-0, 56th) scored twice, before Thomasson’s goal (3-0, 73rd) and Zaroury’s gem (4-0, 78th)! This is how Monaco sadly ended their otherwise successful season with direct qualification for the Champions League already secured last weekend.
