Monaco beats Lens to secure Ligue 1 runner-up spot and direct Champions League spot.

Monaco has secured its place in the UEFA Champions League next season after defeating Lens on Saturday evening in Ligue 1. The win means that Monaco will finish as runners-up in the league, meaning they will have a direct shot at qualifying for Europe's top club competition.

The match between Monaco and Lens was a closely contested affair, with both teams putting in a strong performance throughout. However, it was Monaco who emerged victorious, thanks to a late goal from French striker Benjamin Mendy.

With the win, Monaco moves into second position in the table, just one point behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain. This puts them in a good position to secure a direct entry into the Champions League next season, which is something that many fans were hoping for.

The win also comes at a crucial time for Monaco, who are currently facing the threat of relegation back to Ligue 2. A victory against Lens ensured that they would avoid this fate, but a defeat could have seen them face the prospect of being relegated.

Despite the result, Monaco manager Lucien Favre praised his team's effort and said: "We knew it would be a difficult game, but we fought until the end. It's a great feeling to come away with all three points."

Overall, Monaco's win over Lens is a major boost for their chances of securing a place in Europe's elite club competition. With the Champions League now within reach, the team will be looking forward to the upcoming season with renewed confidence.