Anthony Tomas
Lille players celebrate after the match
Reuters / Alexandre Dimou
Monaco’s wait to return to the UEFA Champions League will continue after a 0-1 defeat to Lille at the principality, a result that ends their chances of finishing in the top four of Ligue 1. Meanwhile, Lille’s goal of securing a spot in Europe’s premier competition will be decided on the final matchday.
Lille was aiming for a sixth consecutive away victory and created the first danger in the 15th minute when Thomas Meunier slipped a pass to Ayyoub Bouaddi on the left, but Lukas Hradecky covered his near post well to deny the goal.
The visitors thought they had the perfect opportunity just two minutes later when referee Clement Turpin awarded a penalty after Matias Fernandez-Pardo went down under a challenge from Jordan Teze, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review.
After that scare, the home side began to enjoy more possession, but aside from a 27th-minute volley from Maghnes Akliouche that went straight into the arms of Berke Ozer, they failed to create clear chances.
Les Dogues handed Monaco a chance in the closing stages of the first half by losing the ball in their own third, allowing Teze and Akliouche to combine, though the latter’s shot was too wide.
Both teams continued to search for an opener before the break, but Fernandez-Pardo failed to connect with Hakon Haraldsson’s pass, and Simon Adingra saw his effort go over Ozer’s crossbar.
Match statistics
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In Monaco’s previous six matches, both teams had scored, but after a high shot from Felix Correia and another Meunier effort straight at Hradecky, the game remained goalless at the hour mark.
Akliouche remained the most dangerous attacking threat for Les Monégasques, testing Ozer with a powerful strike that the goalkeeper saved comfortably.
However, with 18 minutes remaining, Lille’s long trip south began to pay off. Gaetan Perrin broke down the left and set up Meunier, and in trying to prevent the Belgian from tapping in, Denis Zakaria lunged and ended up putting the ball into his own net.
In response, Sebastien Pocognoli’s team failed to generate enough danger to trouble Ozer in the final minutes. Lille sought to seal the game on the counter through chances for Ethan Mbappe and Fernandez-Pardo, but ultimately one goal was enough.
This is only Monaco’s second league defeat in 15 matches, having scored at least two goals in 12 of their previous 13 official games.
On the other hand, Bruno Genesio’s side extends their unbeaten league run to 13 matches and, with this win, moves into the top three. However, Rennes’ victory tonight means Lille only holds a two-point lead over the fifth-placed team heading into the final matchday.
Match notes
Player of the Match: Thomas Meunier (Lille)