Monaco condemned to Champions League play-off round as Lens hit late equaliser

AS Monaco had automatic qualification for the Champions League group stage snatched from their grasp right at the death at Stade Bolleart-Delelis as RC Lens grabbed a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw and send Philippe Clement’s side into 3rd place in Ligue 1 behind Marseille. With Marseille defeating Strasbourg 4-0 at the Stade Velodrome, they leapfrogged Monaco into 2nd, to condemn The Monegasques to the Champions League play-off round. Ad/> As the stakes were high going into this game, with Lens also battling out for European qualification themselves, Monaco started off tentatively.

Ligue 1Neymar on PSG critics: You'll need more air24/04/2022 AT 10:42 Lens, who needed to win and hope that both Strasbourg and Nice lost to secure a place in the Conference League, were the side comfortably on top in the opening exchanges, registering thirteen shots on goal in the first 24 minutes. Franck Haise’s side eventually made the breakthrough on the half hour mark, courtesy of a mistake by Monaco goalkeeper Alexander Nubel. The German palmed Jonathan Clauss’ low cross from the right straight into the path of Przemysław Frankowski, who finished the rebound into the roof of the net.

However, Monaco hit back straight away, as Benoit Badiashile found the leveller from inside the box on 34 minutes. The goal was confirmed after a VAR check. Philippe Clement’s side then got their noses in front midway through the second half, as Wissam Ben Yedder headed in Kevin Volland’s cross at the back post to put his side ahead and get his 25th goal of the campaign.