Balogun Returns as Monaco Beat Lens to Maintain Unbeaten Ligue 1 Run
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Folarin Balogun returned to action for the first time this season as AS Monaco defeated Lens 2-1 on Friday to maintain their unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 campaign.
The victory at Stade Louis II moved Monaco to 13 points from five matches, putting them three points ahead of Lille and Rennes before the rest of the weekend’s fixtures.
Brunner Gives Monaco Early Lead
Young German forward Paris Brunner opened the scoring for Monaco in the first half.
The goal was Brunner’s sixth in seven appearances since the start of the campaign, underlining his strong scoring form for the French club.
Lens responded after the break, with Matthieu Udol heading home in the 60th minute to bring the visitors level.
Own Goal Decides the Match
Lens, who finished as Ligue 1 runners-up last season, were unable to hold on for a point.
Defender Jonathan Gradit accidentally headed the ball into his own net in the 84th minute, giving Monaco a late winning goal.
The match was Lens’ first since the club parted ways with coach Dino Toppmoller after six games. Former Lens player Yannick Cahuzac, who had worked on Toppmoller’s coaching staff, took charge of the team.
Balogun Makes Season Debut
Balogun entered the game from the bench in the 76th minute, marking his first appearance for Monaco since the World Cup.
The 25-year-old forward had impressed during the tournament for the United States, scoring three goals.
His World Cup campaign also included a controversial red card during the USA’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The suspension was later lifted, allowing him to feature against Belgium in the round of 16, although the United States suffered a 4-1 defeat.
Transfer Speculation
Balogun was also linked with a move away from Monaco during the recent transfer window.
A reported €40 million ($54 million) transfer to Everton appeared close to completion on deadline day earlier this month, but the move did not go ahead after the striker changed his decision.
Monaco Lead Ligue 1
Monaco remain unbeaten after five league matches and currently sit at the top of the Ligue 1 standings with 13 points.
Rennes are scheduled to face Lyon on Saturday, while Lille travel to bottom-placed Nice on Sunday. Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will also face Marseille in a major fixture later in the weekend.
The upcoming matches could change the standings, but Monaco have secured an important victory to maintain their unbeaten opening to the season.
