PARIS: Lens booked their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Nantes in Ligue 1. According to Beyond Time News, teenage substitute Mezian Mesloub scored the winning goal on his league debut to seal a memorable night for the club.
Teenage Star Delivers Match-Winning Moment
The breakthrough came in the 79th minute when 16-year-old Mesloub reacted quickly to a loose ball inside the box. With his first touch, he controlled the ball, and with his second, he fired it into the net to give Lens the lead.
The young forward’s goal secured an important victory and sparked huge celebrations among the home fans at Stade Bollaert.
Lens Confirm Champions League Qualification
The win guarantees Lens a top-three finish in Ligue 1. As a result, the club has officially secured direct qualification for next season’s Champions League group stage.
Lens now sit nine points ahead of fourth-placed Lille with only two matches left in the season.
The club continues to impress despite operating on a much smaller budget compared to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.
Ligue 1 Title Race Still Alive
The victory also keeps the Ligue 1 title race open. Lens remain the only team capable of catching league leaders PSG, who currently hold a three-point advantage with a game in hand.
Although PSG remain favorites, Lens have continued to challenge strongly throughout the season.
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Nantes Relegated to Ligue 2
For Nantes, the defeat confirmed relegation to Ligue 2 after a disappointing campaign. Despite efforts from coach Vahid Halilhodzic, who joined the club in March, the team could not avoid finishing in the bottom two.
Goalkeeper Anthony Lopes produced several important saves during the match, but Nantes failed to hold off Lens for the full 90 minutes.
Lens Continue Dream Season
Lens have emerged as one of the surprise teams of the season. In addition to their Champions League qualification, the club will also compete in the French Cup final against Nice later this month.
Fans celebrated long after the final whistle, as players received a hero’s welcome inside a packed stadium filled with fireworks and chants.
