Japanese star Takumi Minamino produced a moment of magic to give Monaco a memorable last-gasp victory at Lens. Just as the Ligue 1 match was heading to a 2-2 draw, the former Liverpool forward cut in and scored a fantastic stoppage-time goal to secure three big points in the race for Champions League spots for Les Monegasques.Minamino the difference in a crazy game as Monaco wins it away 🇯🇵 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/g2tmS2sPFZ— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) February 25, 2024 The match started with a bang as Brice Samba’s superb save denied Wissam Ben Yedder an early goal, setting the stage for an intense first half. However, Samba’s heroics were short-lived, as Kevin Danso’s error allowed Folarin Balogun to capitalize and give Monaco the lead with a composed finish.Monaco extended their lead through Minamino’s powerful strike, but Lens quickly responded, with Elye Wahi controversially slipping past defenders to pull one back, much to the relief of the home fans. Lens continued to push forward, hitting the woodwork through a deflected effort, before Wesley Said restored parity with a rebound after Radosław Majecki initially saved his shot.TAKUMI MINAMINO 92TH MINUTE WINNER!!!!! pic.twitter.com/cnUpafEjV1— 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒊 (@AllThingsTaki) February 25, 2024 However, Monaco regained the lead from the penalty spot after a cynical challenge, although Balogun’s spot-kick was saved by Samba. Nevertheless, Minamino sealed the victory for Monaco with a stunning strike from the right flank in the game’s dying moments.The result was a cruel blow for Lens, whose spirited second-half display went unrewarded as they slipped to sixth in the Ligue 1 table. Meanwhile, Monaco’s unbeaten run in away league games continued, propelling them into the top three and enhancing their chances of securing automatic Champions League qualification for the next campaign.LIGUE 1FridayMetz – Lyon 1-2 (1-1)/Mikautadze 13 – Lacazette 45+1, Benrahma 60/SaturdayLorient – Nantes 0-1 (0-0)/Castelletto 49/Strasbourg – Brest 0-3 (0-2)/Camara 33, 40, 60 pen/SundayLens – Monaco 2-3 (1-2)/Wahi 31, Said 77 – Balogun 19, Minamino 30, 90+2/Le Havre – Reims (in progress)Nice – Clermont (in progress)Toulouse – Lille (in progress)19.05: (1.48) PSG (4.40) Rennes (6.75)22.45: (1.75) Olympique Marseille (3.70) Montpellier (5.40)***odds are subject to change
