Monaco leave it late to extend unbeaten Ligue 1 run against Lens

Monaco maintained their unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season with a 2-1 victory over Lens, secured by a late own goal at the Stade Louis II.

Paris Brunner opened the scoring after 37 minutes, but Lens levelled soon after half-time through Matthieu Udol. The decisive moment came in the 84th minute, when Jonathan Gradit turned the ball into his own net to give Monaco all three points.

The win moved Filipe Luis’ side three points clear at the top of Ligue 1, although their position could change when the other leading teams play.

Monaco had appeared capable of taking control long before the winning goal. Matthis Abline thought he had put them ahead inside the opening 10 minutes after finishing calmly, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Edan Diop also saw a goal disallowed before Brunner finally gave the hosts the lead. Abline created the opening with an excellent pass, allowing the forward to stay composed and beat Robin Risser from close range.

The goal was Brunner’s fourth in the league this season.

Monaco missed an opportunity to extend their advantage before half-time. Risser saved Brunner’s first attempt, but Abline somehow put the rebound wide from only a few yards out.

Abline found the net again early in the second half, only for Monaco to be denied by another offside decision.

Despite spending long periods under pressure, Lens drew level in the 57th minute. Florian Thauvin delivered a corner towards the near area and Udol glanced a header beyond Monaco goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

The visitors then came close to completing the turnaround when substitute Thorgan Hazard headed over the crossbar from a promising position.

Monaco continued to push for victory rather than settle for a draw and were rewarded six minutes before the end. Gradit attempted to clear the ball, but his touch sent it into his own goal.

The result means Monaco have won four of their opening five Ligue 1 matches for the third season in a row, reinforcing their strong start to the campaign.