Lens won on the Auxerre pitch thanks to achievements from El Aynaoui and Nzola. Despite an equalizer from Perrin, the Sang et Or…
Yesterday evening, AJ Auxerre hosted RC Lens for the 15th day of Ligue 1. A clash of extremes between the promoted Burgundian, still in difficulty in the championship, and Lensois who are clearly aiming for European places this season. Despite great resistance from the locals, it was the Sang et Or who were able to make the difference to win 2-1 at Abbé-Deschamps.
The Blood and Gold take the lead
From the start of the match, Lens clearly showed its intentions by putting a lot of rhythm and intensity into its game. A domination which would quickly pay off since after only 23 minutes of play, Neil El Aynaoui opened the scoring with a strike precise following good service from Labeau Lascary. The Artesians maintain their hold and create several dangerous situations.
Just after half an hour of play, Polish striker M’Bala Nzola thought he would double the lead but his goal was disallowed for offside. Auxerre is not giving up yet and will come back to the level just before the break. On a well-placed free kick, Gaëtan Perrin sent the ball into the top corner of Samba (1-1, 45th). A logical parity score given the appearance of the first 45 minutes.
Lens regains the advantage and manages
Returning from the locker room, Franck Haise’s men hit the ground running again to take control of the game. Their domination was rewarded in the 68th minute. Launched in depth by Thomasson, M’Bala Nzola presents himself alone against Léon and deceives him with a cross shot from the left (1-2). The striker on loan from Spezia scored his 6th goal of the season in Ligue 1.
Despite some flashes from Sinayoko on the Auxerre side, Lens will intelligently manage their lead until the final whistle. Thanks to this precious away success, the Sang et Or consolidate their 7th place and return to just 3 lengths from the top 5. The AJA remains 15th with 4 points ahead of the relegation zone.
Post-match statements
At a press conference, Lensois coach Franck Haise said he was satisfied with the performance of his players:
We had a solid and diligent match. Taking 3 points here in Auxerre is never easy. The players showed maturity to regain the advantage and then defend well. It’s a deserved victory in a controlled match.
Christophe Pélissier, the Auxerre coach, for his part regretted the lack of realism of his team:
We were on par with Lens throughout the game. What we lacked was technical accuracy in the last 30 meters. We lacked efficiency in the areas of truth. At this level, it’s not forgiving against a team of the quality of Lens.
After this 15th day of the championship, Ligue 1 will mark a truce of almost a month due to the World Cup in Qatar. Lens will host Clermont on December 28 while Auxerre will travel to Troyes the same day.
