Unbeaten so far this season, AS Monaco were made to work hard against RC Lens in the headline clash of Matchday 5 in Ligue 1 McDonald’s, eventually securing all three points after a fierce battle at the Stade Louis‑II (2‑1). This victory allows the Principality club to move provisionally back to the summit. Match report ✍️

The contest began brightly with an early Lens warning in behind, but Sima’s effort was comfortably gathered by Lukáš Hradecký (3’). The Rouge et Blanc responded immediately through Matthis Abline, first with a volley from a corner (7’), then by finding the net behind the defence… only to be ruled offside (9’). The tempo dipped thereafter despite a fine recovery from Eric Dier (18’), and another disallowed goal, this time for Edan Diop, flagged for an infringement at the start of the move (28’).

Matthis with the service, Paris with the finish 🎯

Two false alarms, until Paris Brunner finally struck, set up perfectly by his strike partner (1‑0, 33’)! That was the German forward’s fourth Ligue 1 goal this season, on the first assist for Matthis Abline in Monaco colours. The duo combined again on a double chance to double the lead, but Risser stood firm (42’). The Lens keeper was also alert to efforts from Denis Zakaria (43’) and Abline (45’+3) just before the interval.

Another goal chalked off ❌

The second half also started at pace, with Flávio Nazinho threading a fine ball for the former Nantes man, who finished again… but once more in an offside position (49’). A blow for Monaco, compounded when the Sang et Or struck back from a corner, Udol heading home (1‑1, 57’). The equaliser lifted RC Lens, who nearly went in front through Hazard’s header (60’) and a Thauvin surge (65’).

Hradecký to the rescue, Monaco edge it 💪

Lukáš Hradecký was forced into a stunning save from the Lens No.9’s curling effort to keep Monaco alive (74’). A decisive intervention, as Vanderson’s driven cross into the six‑yard box was turned into his own net by Gradit (2‑1, 84’). Filipe Luís’ men regained the advantage and held firm, despite late attempts from Édouard (92’) and Udol (96’), following good chances for Brunner (89’) and Balogun (93’) to kill the game.

No matter, the Rouge et Blanc triumphed at the death and move provisionally clear at the top of Ligue 1, right before the international break. DAGHE MUNEGU!!! 🇲🇨

🗓️ Match Sheet

Friday 18 September 2026 (20:45) – Stade Louis‑II

Ligue 1 McDonald’s – Matchday 5: AS Monaco 2‑1 RC Lens

Halftime: 1‑0

Goals: Brunner (33’), Gradit (og, 84’) for AS Monaco; Udol (57’) for Lens

Yellow cards: Camara (71’) for AS Monaco; Thauvin (53’) for Lens

AS Monaco: Hradecký – Vanderson, Sané, Dier, Nazinho – Diop (Detourbet, 62’), Zakaria © (Cabral, 76’), Camara, Golovin – Abline (Balogun, 76’), Brunner (Salisu, 92’) Subs: Köhn, Mawissa, Salisu, Benzahra, Cabral, Minamino, Touré, Balogun, Detourbet Coach: Filipe Luís

Lens: Risser – Antonio, Todibo (Gradit, 46’), Udol – Aguilar, Cuisance, Haïdara (Bulatović, 72’), Kadile (Skóras, 68’) – Thauvin ©, Mesloub (Hazard, 58’), Sima (Édouard, 58’) Subs: Gorgelin, Gradit, Sagnan, Skóras, Bulatović, Hazard, Ivanović, Édouard, Sotoca Coach: Yannick Cahuzac

See also