Balogun’s Mixed Performance as Monaco Falls to Lens in Ligue 1

Folarin Balogun endured a turbulent evening as AS Monaco suffered a heavy 4–1 defeat to Lens in Ligue 1 on Saturday — a result that dented their hopes of keeping pace with the league leaders.

The United States international, fresh off scoring his first-ever Champions League goal earlier in the week, gave Monaco a brief lifeline when he converted a penalty late in the first half. However, his night quickly unraveled after a reckless challenge on Mamadou Sangaré saw him sent off just before halftime.

By the interval, Lens had already taken control with goals from Odsonne Édouard, Wesley Saïd, and Sangaré, establishing a commanding 3–1 lead. Saïd later added his second early in the second half, sealing the victory and lifting Lens level on points with Marseille at the top of the Ligue 1 table.

Lens now sit one point ahead of Paris Saint-Germain, who face Lyon on Sunday in a crucial fixture as the champions continue to cope with multiple injuries.

Marseille Go Top After Greenwood and Gomes Shine

In another key Ligue 1 clash, Marseille moved to the top of the table on goal difference with a 3–0 victory over Brest. English duo Angel Gomes and Mason Greenwood played starring roles in the win.

Gomes opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a perfectly struck direct free kick that slipped through goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki’s grasp. Minutes later, Greenwood made it 2–0 from the penalty spot after Igor Paixão was fouled inside the box.

Veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang capped off the result in the 82nd minute, finishing calmly from a Matt O’Riley cross. The win ensures Marseille remain the only team to have beaten PSG in Ligue 1 this season.

Should Lyon win their upcoming match, they would move within a single point of PSG, who are without key players including Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Nuno Mendes, and Achraf Hakimi through injury.