Monaco keep on the right track for Champions League qualification

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A primary senior purpose for Belgian teen Eliot Matazo gave Monaco a 1-0 win at Reims on Sunday that stored the principality membership on the right track for a top-three end in Ligue 1 and a return to the Champions League subsequent season.

Teenager Matazo, who was signed from Anderlecht aged 16 in 2018, struck within the twentieth minute on the Stade Auguste-Delaune and Monaco then noticed out the victory to get again on monitor after dropping at dwelling to rivals Lyon final weekend.

The principality facet have been overwhelmed 3-2 in that recreation and have been then leapfrogged by Lyon after they defeated Lorient 4-1 on Saturday.

Nevertheless, this victory takes Niko Kovac’s facet again as much as third on 74 factors, one level higher off than Lyon with simply two video games of the season remaining.

“The strain just isn’t on us however on Lyon as a result of they weren’t within the Champions League this season and so they must be there,” stated Kovac.

“Earlier than the match I advised the gamers to take pleasure in themselves as a result of they have been fourth and so they have had an ideal season.”

Champions and Champions League semi-finalists in 2017, Monaco are additionally 5 factors adrift of leaders Lille and a single level behind Paris Saint-Germain earlier than the capital facet go to Rennes later.

Lille have been convincing 3-0 winners at northern rivals Lens on Friday as they stored their title future in their very own arms and elevated the strain on PSG.

Solely the highest three in France qualify for the Champions League, with the highest two going straight into the group stage of Europe’s elite membership competitors and third getting into within the third qualifying spherical.

Fourth should accept the comfort of a spot within the Europa League.

Monaco, who had been in excellent type earlier than being overwhelmed by Lyon, went in entrance when 19-year-old Matazo set off on a driving run in the direction of purpose and exchanged passes with Kevin Volland earlier than slotting in.

The guests then thought they’d been awarded a penalty within the last minute of the primary half when Wout Faes was dominated to have fouled Volland within the field, however the referee modified his thoughts after reviewing the photographs.

Nevertheless, Monaco noticed out the win with their tenth clear sheet in 11 outings.

Earlier, Marseille’s hopes of ending fifth and taking the final European place have been dealt a blow as Jorge Sampaoli’s facet misplaced 1-0 at Saint-Etienne with Arnaud Nordin scoring the one purpose.

In the meantime on the different finish of the desk six groups are nonetheless battling to keep away from two locations within the backside three.

Brest have been overwhelmed 3-2 at Good and Strasbourg went down 3-2 at dwelling to Montpellier that means each stay susceptible to slipping into the relegation zone on the final two weekends.

Nantes occupy 18th place, the relegation play-off spot, however a 3-0 win over Bordeaux on Saturday was their third in a row and they’re now only a single level from outright security.

Beneath them, Nimes are nineteenth and set to go down mechanically with already-relegated Dijon.

Nevertheless, they stored their hopes of salvation alive with a 3-0 victory at Metz to remain simply two factors behind Nantes.

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