Hákon Arnar Haraldsson delivered a standout performance on Saturday, netting twice as Lille edged past Monaco 2-1 at the Pierre Mauroy stadium.
The victory propelled Lille into third place in Ligue 1, overtaking Monaco in the standings.
With the win, Lille now sits on 41 points, one ahead of both Monaco and Nice. However, Nice, currently in fourth, still has a game in hand and will face Montpellier on Sunday.
Lille asserted control from the outset and capitalized in the 22nd minute when Haraldsson found the net after a well-executed team move.
Ngal’ayel Mukau provided the assist, setting up the Icelandic midfielder, who surged forward unopposed before slotting a precise shot into the far corner from the edge of the area.
Monaco responded positively and nearly leveled the score before the half-hour mark. Eliesse Ben Seghir came close with a well-struck outside-foot attempt, narrowly missing the target from Vanderson’s low cross.
However, Monaco’s defensive frailties once again proved costly. A careless pass from Wilfried Singo to Denis Zakaria put the visitors under pressure inside their own box.
Zakaria lost his footing, allowing Haraldsson to capitalize on the loose ball after his initial effort was parried by goalkeeper Radosław Majecki.
Haraldsson, who joined Lille from FC Copenhagen in July 2023, has now registered four league goals this season.
Despite falling behind, Monaco found a lifeline just before halftime. Krépin Diatta delivered a pinpoint cross to Maghnes Akliouche, whose header found Mika Biereth.
With a clever backheel, Biereth set up Takumi Minamino, and the Japanese midfielder calmly finished from close range to reduce the deficit.
Monaco, still reeling from their midweek Champions League playoff exit at the hands of Benfica, extended their struggles on the road, failing to win any of their last six away league matches.
Meanwhile, second-place Marseille is set to take on Auxerre later on Saturday, while league leaders PSG visit Lyon on Sunday.
