Monaco secures Ligue 1 runner-up spot and direct Champions League berth with win over Lens in Round 38.

### Monaco Secures Ligue 1 Runner-Up Spot and Direct Champions League Berth

In the thrilling final round of the 2023-24 French football season, Monaco secured their place as Ligue 1 runners-up with a convincing victory over Lens in Round 38. The result was a testament to the team's resilience, tactical prowess, and overall performance throughout the campaign.

#### Key Highlights of the Match

- **Scoreline**: Monaco 3, Lens 1

- **Key Player Performances**:

- Lionel Messi: Scoring twice, including the game-winning goal in the last minute.

- Kylian Mbappe: Contributed one assist.

- Raphael Varane: Showed exceptional defensive solidity and aerial dominance.

- Kevin Trapp: Aided the first-half goals with his clinical finishing.

- **Match Analysis**:

- Monaco dominated possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances early on.

- Lens had some promising moments, particularly in the second half when they pressed harder and showed better attacking intent.

- The match was characterized by intense physicality and technical skill, with both teams displaying high levels of concentration and determination.

#### Impact on the Season

- **Ligue 1 Standings**: Monaco climbed up to third place, narrowly missing out on the top spot for the title.

- **Champions League Qualification**: With their victory, Monaco secured a direct qualification to the UEFA Champions League小组赛.

- **Future Outlook**: The club looks forward to the upcoming challenges in the Champions League, aiming to build upon their success this season.

#### Managerial Comments

- "This is a significant milestone for our team. We have worked hard all year, and today's victory solidifies our position in Ligue 1. Now we focus on preparing for the Champions League, where we can showcase our skills and compete at the highest level."

#### Conclusion

The victory over Lens not only secured Monaco's Ligue 1 status but also gave them a strong foundation for the upcoming Champions League season. This win is a boost for the club, as it sets them up for potentially a memorable run in Europe. As the season progresses, Monaco will continue to face tough competition but remains confident in their ability to rise to the occasion and achieve even greater success.