Monaco edge past Lens to preserve unbeaten Ligue 1 start

Monaco moved three points clear at the top of Ligue 1, for now, after a late 2-1 win against Lens at the Stade Louis II.

The victory means Les Rouge et Blanc remain unbeaten after their opening five matches and have now won four of those games for the third consecutive campaign.

Monaco appeared to take the lead inside the first 10 minutes when Matthis Abline calmly finished into the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

The opening stages were closely contested, with neither side able to establish control. Lens were then given hope of a penalty when VAR asked referee Clement Turpin to review a possible handball by Sadibou Sane inside the area. After checking the pitchside monitor, Turpin decided there had been no offence worthy of a spot-kick.

Monaco had another goal ruled out shortly before the half-hour mark. Edan Diop thought he had broken the deadlock with a close-range finish, only for the assistant referee to raise the flag for offside.

The hosts eventually made their pressure count. Paris Brunner collected a precise pass from Abline before confidently beating Robin Risser from close range to give Monaco the lead and claim his fourth league goal of the season.

Filipe Luis’ team came close to doubling their advantage before half-time. Risser parried Brunner’s initial effort, but Abline was unable to convert the rebound from only a few yards out, sending his attempt wide.

Monaco started the second half with the same attacking intent and again found the net through Abline. Once more, however, the assistant referee ruled the effort out for offside, leaving the home side frustrated.

Despite Monaco’s control and territorial pressure, Lens levelled after 57 minutes. Florian Thauvin delivered a corner which Matthieu Udol met with a glancing header, sending the ball beyond Lukas Hradecky and suddenly changing the momentum of the contest.

Lens then threatened to complete the turnaround moments later. Substitute Thorgan Hazard found space for a header but sent his effort over the crossbar when he should have tested Hradecky.

With a draw appearing the likely outcome, Monaco regained the advantage six minutes from time. Jonathan Gradit inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 84th minute, allowing the hosts to protect their lead and claim three points.

The result extends Monaco’s strong start to the season, while Lens are left to reflect on a match in which they recovered from a difficult first half but could not hold on for a point.

Flashscore named Lens defender Matthieu Udol Man of the Match.