Monaco secure Champions League return | OneFootball

AS Monaco have secured their return to the UEFA Champions League group stages for the first time since the 2018/19 season, thanks to Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Montpellier HSC.

The Principality club needed just one point to secure their return to Europe’s elite and they were rarely, if ever, threatened by a Montpellier side, who had nothing to play for. Kassoum Ouattara and Youssouf Fofana netted second-half goals in a comfortable win at the Mosson.

It meant that Lille OSC’s 2-1 victory over FC Nantes was ultimately inconsequential for Les Monégasques, who celebrated their qualification with the travelling fans post-match. However, Les Dogues’ victory at the Beaujoire did boost their chances of finishing on the podium and therefore securing qualification for the Champions League group stages.

Lille, for the first time all season, have entered into the top three, at the expense of Stade Brestois, who drop to fourth. Eric Roy’s side are level on points with LOSC but have a minorly worse goal difference (-2). Les Ty Zéfs can still harbour hope of regaining their podium spot on the final day. Should they fail to do so, Brest may have to pass through the Champions League qualification rounds, although they could even still be caught by OGC Nice in fifth.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle