Lens took a big step towards next season's UEFA Champions League after a convincing 3-0 home victory over Monaco on Saturday night, moving to second place, two points ahead of Marseille.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Belgian international striker Lois Openda, 23, scored a brace in the first half, before turning to be the provider after the break to set up Adrien Thomasson's goal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It's a perfect evening for the club, 3-0, we are ahead of Monaco," Openda said. "Of course, we must continue like this."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The win lifted the northern team to a favourable place in the race for a spot in the Champions League, as the top two finishers of Ligue 1 will secure berths in the group stage and the third-placed team will play the qualifiers, a Xinhua report said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I think it's the best game of our season. I loved it," Lens coach Franck Haise said. "We must continue to go until the end of this season, to try to have performances of this quality, and to win a reward for the club."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The pressure has fallen on nine-time French champion Marseille as Igor Tudor's side will try to reclaim the second place against Lyon on Sunday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier on Saturday, Jonathan David scored his 21st goal of the season, but Lille were held to a 1-1 draw with Auxerre. M'Baye Niang converted a penalty in the 62nd minute to clinch one point for the hosts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n