A Night of Total Dominance at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis
In a memorable night for RC Lens fans, the Will Still-led squad delivered a resounding 4-0 victory over AS Monaco in the 34th round of Ligue 1. With a brace from Neil El Aynaoui and goals from Adrien Thomasson and Anass Zaroury, Les Sang et Or ended their season in style, securing 8th place in the standings.
Monaco, already qualified for the Champions League, fielded a heavily rotated side and even saw Soungoutou Magassa sent off in the second half, compounding their misery. While Lens’ win didn’t affect Monaco’s position (3rd place), it solidified a strong season for the Artois-based club.
In this article, we’ll break down every key moment of the match from tactical strategies to the result’s implications, including decisive plays and the standout performer.
📌 First Half: Lens Takes the Lead and Imposes Their Rhythm
🔵⚪ Team Context
Lens (4-3-3): Aimed to end the season with a home win to please their passionate fans.
Monaco (4-2-3-1): With third place secured, manager Adi Hütter rested key players like Golovin and Balogun.
⚽ Key Moments of the First Half
11’ – First Chance for Lens!
Diouf fires a powerful shot, but it deflects off Koyalipou and goes out for a corner.
19’ – Ben Seghir Hits the Post!
The young Monaco forward receives the ball on the right and takes a dangerous shot, but it narrowly misses the post.
21’ – GOAL FOR LENS! EL AYNAOUI! (1-0) ⚽
After a precise cross from Mendy, Neil El Aynaoui heads home unmarked, leaving Köhn no chance.
29’ – Goal Disallowed by VAR!
Koyalipou thinks he’s made it 2-0, but referee François Letexier rules it out after reviewing a foul by Thomasson on Camara earlier in the play.
39’ – Ryan’s Save!
George Ilenikhena gets a shot off in the box, but Lens’ keeper makes a sharp stop.
Halftime: Lens 1-0 Monaco
🔥 Second Half: Monaco Reduced to 10, Lens Capitalizes
52’ – Red Card for Magassa!
The Monaco midfielder pulls back Koyalipou on a counterattack and is sent off, leaving his team shorthanded.
56’ – GOAL FOR LENS! EL AYNAOUI STRIKES AGAIN! (2-0) ⚽
The Moroccan pounces on a rebound in the box and hammers it home.
73’ – GOAL FOR LENS! THOMASSON! (3-0) ⚽
After a poorly defended corner, the midfielder taps it in to extend the lead.
78’ – GOAL FOR LENS! ZAROURY! (4-0) ⚽
The attacker latches onto a deflected cross and unleashes a thunderous strike to seal the win.
Full Time: Lens 4-0 Monaco
📊 Impact on the Standings
Monaco confirmed their Champions League spot, but the loss dashed any hopes of overtaking Marseille for 2nd place.
Lens finished the season in the top half of the table but missed out on continental tournaments.
🔍 Tactical Analysis: How Lens Dominated Monaco
⚽ Lens (3-1-4-2) – High Press and Quick Transitions
✅ Strengths:
- El Aynaoui as a focal point in attack.
- Thomasson dictating the midfield tempo.
- Solid defense, with Medina and Gradit containing Monaco.
❌ Weaknesses:
- Lack of creativity at times.
- Overreliance on set-pieces for chances.
⚽ Monaco (4-2-3-1) – Rotated Side, Lack of Motivation
✅ Strengths:
- Minamino tried to create chances.
- Ben Seghir showed danger on the wings.
❌ Weaknesses:
- Disorganized defense after the red card.
- Low intensity due to secured qualification.
🌟 Man of the Match: Neil El Aynaoui
| Name | Neil El Aynaoui |
|---|---|
| Age | 24 |
| Nationality | Moroccan |
| Goals | 2 (21’, 56’) |
| Shots | 3 (2 on target) |
| Key Passes | 1 |
Why was he decisive?
- Scored twice and led Lens’ attack.
- Clever movement, exploiting gaps in Monaco’s defense.
- Physical presence in set-pieces.
🔮 What’s Next?
Lens:
- Preseason: Friendlies against European sides.
- Transfer market: Seeking a new striker to replace Koyalipou.
Monaco:
- Champions League prep: Tests against strong opponents.
- Reinforcements: Need a right-back and a creative midfielder.
🎯 A Grand Farewell for Lens
RC Lens ended their season with a convincing win, showcasing their home strength and entertaining football. Meanwhile, Monaco, despite the loss, achieved their main goal Champions League qualification.
News cover image by: lequipe.fr
