AS Monaco reclaimed the top spot in Ligue 1 after securing a 2-1 victory over RC Lens in a Round 5 encounter. The result at Stade Louis II also marked a losing start for Yannick Cahuzac, who was making his debut as Lens manager.
Monaco Take Early Lead
Monaco continued their impressive unbeaten start to the season, with Paris Brunner opening the scoring. Brunner netted his sixth goal of the season after Matthis Abline beat Jean-Clair Todibo down the right flank and pulled the ball back for the unmarked forward.
RC Lens, under their new manager, made a tactical adjustment at half-time, which saw Jonathan Gradit replace Jean-Clair Todibo, who is currently on loan from West Ham United. This change appeared to inject new life into Lens, and they soon found an equaliser.
Lens Equalise Before Own Goal Decides
Matthieu Udol levelled the score for Lens, heading home at the near post from a Florian Thauvin corner. The goal boosted Lens’s confidence, and they began to press Monaco, creating several opportunities.
However, Monaco ultimately secured all three points thanks to an unfortunate own goal from Jonathan Gradit. Gradit, who had replaced Todibo at the break, challenged Brunner for a header, inadvertently turning the ball into his own net to restore Monaco’s lead.
League Impact and Managerial Debut
The victory ensures AS Monaco return to the summit of the Ligue 1 table, continuing their strong start to the campaign. For RC Lens, the defeat means a challenging beginning for Yannick Cahuzac in his first match at the helm, as they look to find their rhythm under new leadership.
Monaco also introduced Folarin Balogun and Mathys Detourbet in the second half, but struggled to create the same clear-cut chances as in the first period, relying on the own goal to seal the win.