AS Monaco will play in next season's Champions League after they secured third place in Ligue 1 with a 1-0 victory at Lorient.
The Monagasques edged out Marseille and Saint-Etienne, both of whom won their final fixtures against Bastia and Guingamp respectively.
Les Rouges et Blanc almost led inside three minutes when a shot from edge of the area by Joao Moutinho forced Benjamin Lecomte into an early save at the Stade du Moustoir.
Despite Lorient enjoying more possession, it was Leonardo Jardim's side that looked the likelier to score and they almost did when Bernardo Silva's strike was tipped away by Lecomte.
However, the visitors did find a way past the Lorient stopper on 20 minutes following Silva's through pass, which teed up Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco for a low shot which proved too hot to handle.
Les Merlu's best chance of a first-half equaliser came late in the opening period when Danijel Subasic saved Jordan Ayew's effort.
Monaco almost sealed their victory early in the second period when they were awarded a penalty following Lamine Kone's handball.
However, Anthony Martial's spot kick was turned around the post by a flying stop from Lecomte.
Monaco continued to press for a second goal, with Ferreira-Carrasco and Martial both having strikes turned away as Lorient remained within reach of the away side.
Valere Germain also had an effort saved late on for Monaco, but the visitors hung onto their slender lead to secure third spot and a place in the Champions League.
Chris O'Keefe
