RC Lens guaranteed their return to the UEFA Champions League on Friday night with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nantes at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
The match was decided by 16-year-old debutant Mezian Mesloub, who remarkably scored with his first touch just eleven seconds after coming off the bench.
The result ensures direct qualification for Europe’s elite competition for the northern side, who now sit firmly in second place.
For Nantes, the defeat marks the end of a 13-year stay in France’s top flight as they are officially relegated to Ligue 2 with one game to spare.
Despite a valiant effort from goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, Les Canaris could not find the victory required to keep their survival hopes alive.
The win also keeps the Ligue 1 title race mathematically active, moving Lens within three points of leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG must now wait until at least Wednesday’s head-to-head clash with Lens to potentially clinch their 14th league title.
Manager Pierre Sage’s side displayed immense composure throughout, dominating possession before the teenage substitute broke the deadlock in the 79th minute.
As Lens fans celebrated a historic “European night” in the making, Nantes supporters were left to reflect on a dismal season of just five league wins.
