Ligue 1: Openda Leads Lens Past Monaco With UCL Qualification In Sight

Lois Openda leads Lens to a 3-0 victory over Monaco, closing in on Champions League qualification and dealing a blow to Monaco's top-three hopes.

Openda, the Belgian international, scored twice and set up another goal in a stunning display at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Saturday.

Lens, who started the day in third place, moved up to second and are now five points clear of Monaco in fourth. With only six games left, they are in a prime position to secure a spot in the Champions League, a feat they last achieved in the 2002/03 season.

Despite a recent defeat to leaders Paris Saint-Germain, Lens bounced back in style with what their coach Franck Haise called their "best game this season."

The win was marred by fireworks set off in the stands, but Haise emphasized that the place for fireworks is on the pitch, not in the stadium.

PSG, led by top scorer Kylian Mbappe with 22 goals, remain nine points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with Lens in pursuit.