Monaco have secured their place in the UEFA Champions League next season after beating Lens 2-1 at Stade Louis-II on Saturday.

The result was enough to see the Principality club finish second in the French top flight, just one point behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

Monaco's victory over Lens was a well-deserved reward for a strong performance from the hosts, who dominated much of the match.

Despite being outplayed by their opponents, Monaco managed to find the back of the net through two goals from Raul Albiol.

The first came in the 46th minute when the centre-back headed home from close range following a cross from Florian Thauvin.

And the second came four minutes later as Albiol volleyed home from close range after Lens failed to clear a corner kick.

Lens, meanwhile, had some chances of their own but were unable to convert them into goals.

However, they did manage to pull one back in the 77th minute when Mathieu Debuchy scored from the penalty spot after referee Joël Hertz awarded a spot-kick for a foul on Benjamin Mendy.

Despite the late equaliser, Monaco were able to hold on for the win and secure their place in Europe's elite club competition.

With this victory, Monaco will be hoping to make a deep run in the Champions League and potentially compete for the title with PSG.

It is also worth noting that Monaco's victory over Lens has ensured that they will qualify directly for the Champions League, without having to play in the Europa League qualifying rounds.

Overall, it was a good day for Monaco and their fans, as they sealed their place in Europe's premier club competition with a hard-fought victory over their rivals.