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- Monaco vs. Lens | HIGHLIGHTS | Brunner scores again as leaders stay unbeaten
Monaco vs. Lens | HIGHLIGHTS | Brunner scores again as leaders stay unbeaten
Monaco continued its impressive start to the Ligue 1 season with a 2-1 victory over Lens, with Paris Brunner once again playing a starring role. The 20-year-old scored his sixth goal of the campaign as the Principality club remained unbeaten and top of the table.
Brunner opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, before Lens responded after halftime through Matthieu Udol's 57th-minute equalizer.
With the match heading toward a draw, Monaco's late pressure resulted in a Jonathan Gradit own goal with six minutes remaining, giving the hosts all three points.
The match also marked the return of Folarin Balogun, who came off the bench for his first Monaco appearance since the World Cup.
Brunner delivers again in Balogun's absence
The young forward opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, extending a run that has made him one of Monaco's main attacking threats.
Brunner has stepped up during the absence of Folarin Balogun, who had been expected to move to the Premier League before the proposed transfer fell through.
Lens responded after halftime, with Matthieu Udol equalizing in the 57th minute, and the visitors had further opportunities to take something from the match.
Monaco, however, found the winner late.
With six minutes remaining, the hosts' pressure resulted in an unfortunate Jonathan Gradit own goal, sealing the 2-1 victory.
Balogun returns for Monaco
The night also brought another significant development for Monaco's attack.
Balogun came off the bench late in the match, making his first appearance for the club since the World Cup.
With Brunner continuing to score and Balogun back in action, Monaco has added another attacking option while maintaining its unbeaten start.
Lens remains 10th with four points following a turbulent week that included the dismissal of coach Dino Toppmöller.
Monaco's story is very different: 13 points from a possible 15, with Brunner already on six goals this season.
