Two days before the end of the season, AJ Auxerre is unofficially in Ligue 1 for next season. After the victory against Paris FC (2-0) this Saturday, AJA is six points ahead and is better placed than ever to win the champion title. A look back at the key moments of this spectacular season.
The deal is almost in the bag. AJ Auxerre won against Paris FC (2-0) at home this Saturday. It is now six points ahead and a goal difference of +15 which separates the Auxerrois from their pursuers: Saint-Étienne, second, and Angers, third, both on 64 points.
Joy has taken over the Abbé-Deschamps stadium while Auxerre is already unofficially in Ligue 1.
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© MARION BOISJOT / MAXPPP
While it would take a catastrophe not to see the Ajaïstes back in Ligue 1, we invite you to look back at the four moments that marked their season.
1 The extension of Christophe Pélissier
On June 3, 2023, AJA lost to RC Lens (3-1) and went down to Ligue 2. Rumors of departure then surrounded Christophe Pélissier, the Auxerre coach, fueling concern among supporters.
But the 58-year-old coach finally extends his contract until 2025. A solid basis to approach the season in Ligue 2, always perilous after relegation. Our sports journalist, Gaël Simon sees this event as the starting point of the epic journey towards the return to Ligue 1. “It’s the first determining element of the season”he assures. “Christophe Pélissier is a specialist in the climb. Plus he knew the squad, the fact that he stayed was really good news before starting the season.”
2 The victory against Saint-Étienne
The start of the AJ Auxerre season did not suggest such a happy outcome. Christophe Pélissier’s men started with two draws and a defeat. They are unable to string together victories to give themselves some breathing room. But there is this meeting in November won against a heavyweight in French football: AS Saint-Étienne.
The Auxerrois managed to win 5-2 after a crazy clash between two contenders for the climb. For Gaël Simon, this is one of the defining matches of the season. “It was a fantastic match, a fiery encounter”he enthuses. “It was a strong moment for the club. For me, after this match, the season changes. You start an unbeaten streak and you assert yourself as one of the main contenders for promotion.”
AJA revived after two defeats and managed to string together 14 matches without losing to take the lead in the championship.
3 The feat at 10 against 11 against Angers
If Auxerre manages to stay at the top of the ranking, it must still assert its status. This is the case during the 24e day, February 10 against Angers SCO. After the expulsion of Elisha Owusu in the first half, it was 10 against 11 that AJA achieved the feat.
And how. “You have Jubal, your captain, your defender, who comes to score in the last minute, it’s magnificent”recalls our sports journalist. “Angers are second and you beat them in these conditions. It’s really a champion’s match.”
4 The coup against Laval
Lately, the AJA has been able to hold its own despite the pressure. After two consecutive defeats, Christophe Pélissier’s players nevertheless saw the Angevins come back to 3 points with five days remaining. Saint-Étienne was also only 4 points away. If the Auxerrois had not reacted, the end of the season would have been nightmarish.
The highlight: the mastered match against Laval. “He did good that one”comments Gaël Simon. “After two consecutive defeats, you see the others coming back dangerously, it could go wrong. But they win 4-0 and avoid the disaster scenario.”
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In the honorable mentions, it is difficult not to note the Coupe de France match against Nice which plays one level above. “They are on par with a Ligue 1 and take them to extra time, it was strong”he remembers.
Good reasons to trust Christophe Pélissier and his players in Ligue 1 next season.
