Having recorded just one home victory against Lyon in 13 previous attempts, Auxerre knew the enormity of their task, as they looked to bridge the four-point gap to ES Troyes AC in 16th. The opening exchanges of the contest were fairly even, with both sides comfortable on the ball, although Ionuț Radu had to be alert to palm away Sinaly Diomandé’s close-range header to keep the hosts level. After a cagey start with clear-cut chances at a premium, the visitors looked to gain control of proceedings before HT, and duly found the breakthrough in the 36th minute. Corentin Tolisso did well to find a pocket of space on the right-wing and whipped a delicious cross into the path of Moussa Dembélé, who directed a simple header beyond Radu to give Lyon the lead.
The hosts emerged after the restart eager to find a quick response, and were given a golden opportunity to draw level within five minutes, when Diomandé tripped Han-Noah Massengo inside the box. Gaëtan Perrin stepped up to the spot and powered the ball through the hands of Anthony Lopes to restore parity. Buoyed by the leveller, Auxerre sensationally took the lead just three minutes later, as Jubal converted from Nuno da Costa’s flicked header to send the home crowd into raptures. Stunned by Auxerre’s quick-fire double, the visitors tried to compose themselves going into the final half-hour, but the home side continued to provide a threat on the break, with Gauthier Hein seeing a powerful strike thwarted by Lopes.
Moving into the final 10 minutes, Lyon dominated possession inside the Auxerre half in an attempt to force a late equaliser, however Castello Lukeba saw their best effort comfortably saved by Radu, as the Auxerre rearguard held firm to consolidate victory. The result sees Auxerre move within a point of safety after securing just their second league victory in 20 matches, while Lyon remain 9th, having missed a golden opportunity to narrow the gap on the European qualification spots.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Jubal (AJ Auxerre)
