Lens beat Monaco to boost Champions League hope

PARIS: Lens took a big step towards next season’s UEFA Champions League after a convincing 3-0 home victory over Monaco on Saturday night, moving to second place, two points ahead of Marseille in Ligue 1. Belgian international striker Lois Openda, 23, scored a brace in the first half, before turning to be the provider after the break to set up Adrien Thomasson’s goal. The win lifted the northern team to a favourable place in the race for a spot in the Champions League, as the top two finishers of Ligue 1 will secure berths in the group stage and the third-placed team will play the qualifiers.

Earlier on Saturday, Jonathan David scored his 21st goal of the season, but Lille were held to a 1-1 draw with Auxerre. M’Baye Niang converted a penalty in the 62nd minute to clinch one point for the hosts. Lille remain in fifth place with five points off Monaco. Agencies

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