Lens Fails to Capitalize on PSG's Slip-Up, Metz Relegated After Monaco Defeat

Monaco secured a crucial away victory at the Stade Saint-Symphorien, officially relegating Metz to the lower division. After a goalless first half where the hosts primarily defended, the match delivered significantly more excitement after the break. Jessy Deminguet (49’) opened the scoring early in the second half, but the Principality side mounted a complete comeback with goals from Folarin Balogun (61’) and Ansu Fati (90+1’).

Metz surprised their opponents in the 49th minute when Jessy Deminguet broke the deadlock, offering fans a glimmer of hope for survival. However, their joy was short-lived. The "Monegasques" upped the tempo, and in the 61st minute, Folarin Balogun restored parity.

The drama unfolded in stoppage time. In the 91st minute, Ansu Fati, assisted by Caio Henrique, scored the winning goal to make it 2-1. This result left Metz with no mathematical chance of survival, while Monaco continues its fight for a top spot in the league standings.

In Sunday evening's late fixture, Nice and Lens played out a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Riviera, with both goals coming in the second half from Allan Saint-Maximin (61’) and Ali Abdi (84’). The visitors finished with ten men after Saud Abdulhamid was sent off in the 82nd minute.

Lens, currently second in the table, took the lead in the 61st minute through Allan Saint-Maximin. However, the home side, Nice, showed character and managed to equalize in the 84th minute thanks to Ali Abdi.

The match was also marked by a red card for Saud Abdulhamid of Lens in the 82nd minute, forcing the visitors to play the remainder of the game a man down. Despite Nice's late pressure, Lens held on for a point, which keeps them in an excellent position for direct qualification to the Champions League. Nice, for their part, took an important step towards moving away from the relegation zone.