Monaco Leap To Third, Lille Stumble After Champions League Exit

Monaco secured a crucial 2-0 victory against Angers on Saturday, climbing to third in Ligue 1, while Lille's European hangover continued with a costly loss at Nantes.

Danish forward Mika Biereth broke the deadlock late in the second half, netting his 11th goal in nine matches for Monaco. Maghnes Akliouche then sealed the win from the penalty spot, boosting Adi Huetter's side into the automatic Champions League qualification places, ahead of Nice on goal difference.

Meanwhile, Lille, still reeling from their Champions League elimination at the hands of Borussia Dortmund, suffered a setback in their domestic campaign. Mostafa Mohamed's late header secured a 1-0 victory for Nantes, giving them just their sixth league win of the season and moving them six points clear of the relegation zone.

The defeat leaves Lille trailing Monaco and Nice by three points, with Nice having dropped points on Friday in a 1-1 draw against Auxerre, where they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser.

Elsewhere, Wesley Said's solitary strike helped Lens edge Rennes 1-0, keeping their European qualification hopes alive.