Lens secure Champions League spot and send Nantes down

TL;DR

Lens secured a Champions League spot with a 1-0 win over Nantes, thanks to a goal from 16-year-old Mezian Soares. Nantes is relegated to the second tier of French football.

Key points

Lens won 1-0 against Nantes
Mezian Soares scored the winning goal
Lens qualified for the Champions League
Nantes is relegated to the second tier
Lens is seven points ahead of third-placed Lyon

LensNantesParis Saint-GermainLyon

Lens celebrate after the goal from Mezian Soares (2nd R) that secured them Champions League football next season (Francois LO PRESTI) (Francois LO PRESTI/AFP/AFP) Teenage substitute Mezian Soares gave Lens a 1-0 win over Nantes in Ligue 1 on Friday to give his side direct qualification for next season's Champions League while relegating Nantes to the second tier. The result also keeps the Ligue 1 title race alive with Lens the only team who can still pip Paris Saint-Germain to the title. After a frantic and eventful first 79 minutes, the 16-year-old Soares picked up a loose ball in the box and fired home to break the deadlock. Lens are now guranteed a top-two finish in Ligue 1: they are seven points clear of third-placed Lyon with both teams having two games left. Third place also earns a place in the Champions League but in the play-off third round. Lens, whose budget is not even a 10th of Champions League finalists PSG, are still to play the Parisians who lead them by three points and have a game in hand. Nantes held a marauding Lens at bay largely thanks to 'keeper Anthony Lopes, who produced a string of saves as Lens had three goals ruled out for off-side or handball. French champions in 2001 Nantes are now guaranteed to finish in the bottom two and will be relegated from Ligue 1 for the third time since their title win. PSG play Brest at home on Sunday. bur-dmc/bsp

Q&A

How did Lens secure their Champions League spot?

Lens secured their Champions League spot by winning 1-0 against Nantes, with Mezian Soares scoring the decisive goal.

What does Nantes' relegation mean for the team?

Nantes' relegation means they will drop to the second tier of French football for the third time since winning the title in 2001.

What is the current Ligue 1 title race situation?

Lens is seven points clear of third-placed Lyon and is the only team that can still challenge Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 title.