Lens vs Monaco

Monaco remain in the hunt to claim the runner-up spot in Ligue 1 as they travel to Stade Bollaert-Delelis for a final-day clash against Lens. Adi Hutter’s side trail second-placed Marseille by just one point, while their hosts are confined to a maximum finish of eighth.

Lens have been one of French football’s most compelling stories since their 2020 promotion, regularly securing European football in recent seasons. However, this campaign has been a step back, and barring an unlikely chain of results, Les Sang et Or will miss out on continental competition next season.

Manager Will Still has not been able to replicate the consistency of his predecessor Franck Haise—now potentially guiding Nice to the Champions League—and Lens have struggled for stability throughout the season. Before last weekend, the club had won eight and lost nine of their 17 Ligue 1 games in 2025. A 1-1 draw against Toulouse, with goals from Yann Gboho and Neil El Aynaoui, marked their first draw of the calendar year.

Though their top-half finish is secure, a shot at the Conference League still exists. For that to happen, Lens must outperform Brest, hope PSG defeat Reims in the Coupe de France final, and count on Lyon being barred from UEFA competition due to financial issues.

Still, recent home form doesn't inspire confidence—Lens have lost their last two home games by a combined 6-0 and have been beaten in half of their home fixtures this season.

While Lens look to salvage pride, Monaco are already locked into a Champions League berth thanks to a top-three finish. A five-game unbeaten streak has pushed them clear of Nice, Lille, and Strasbourg, and just a single point separates them from Marseille in second.

Last weekend, Monaco comfortably beat Lyon 2-0, courtesy of quickfire goals from Takumi Minamino and Denis Zakaria. They’ll finish second for the second consecutive season if they better Marseille’s result against Rennes.

Despite their strong position, Monaco's away form has been inconsistent, with only two wins in their last 11 Ligue 1 road games—though one of those came recently against Saint-Etienne. On the positive side, they’ve scored in nine consecutive away matches and are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Lens, including a 1-1 draw earlier this season.