Monaco, Sep 19 (V7N)- AS Monaco maintained their unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season with a 2-1 victory over RC Lens on Friday, moving back to the top of the table after five matches.
Paris Brunner continued his impressive scoring form by opening the scoring in the 32nd minute at the Stade Louis-II. The 20-year-old German striker now has six goals this season.
Monaco controlled much of the first half, with Matthis Abline providing the assist for Brunner's opener. Lens improved significantly after the break and equalized through Matthieu Udol in the 57th minute.
The visitors created several opportunities after leveling the score, but Monaco goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádecký produced a crucial save to deny Thorgan Hazard in the 74th minute.
Monaco eventually regained the lead in the 84th minute when Lens defender Jonathan Gradit inadvertently turned a Vanderson cross into his own net. The goal proved decisive as the hosts held on through the closing stages.
Folarin Balogun also returned to action for Monaco, coming on as a substitute in the 76th minute. It was his first appearance of the season following the collapse of a potential move to the Premier League.
The victory leaves Monaco unbeaten after five Ligue 1 matches, with four wins and one draw. The club moved back to the summit with 13 points, while Lens remain 10th with four points.
The result came during a turbulent period for Lens. The club parted company with coach Dino Toppmöller earlier in the week after six matches, citing disagreements over proposed structural changes involving the squad and coaching staff.
Yannick Cahuzac took charge for his first match as Lens head coach and saw his side produce a stronger second-half performance, but the visitors ultimately suffered a narrow defeat.
For Monaco, Brunner's continued scoring form has emerged as a major feature of their early-season campaign. His six goals in seven appearances represent the club's best scoring start at this stage since Radamel Falcao's 2017-18 campaign.
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