relive the four key moments of the spectacular Ligue 1 comeback

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 championship. A look back at the most important moments of this spectacular season.

The deal is almost sealed. AJ Auxerre won against Paris FC (2-0) at home this Saturday. There are now six points ahead and a goal difference of +15 separating Auxerrois from their pursuers: Saint-Étienne, second, and Angers, third, both on 64 points.

Although it would take a disaster not to see the Ajaïstes back in Ligue 1, we invite you to look back at the four moments that defined their season.

1 The extension of Christophe Pélissier

On 3 June 2023, AJA lost against RC Lens (3-1) and were relegated to Ligue 2. Rumors of departure surrounded Christophe Pélissier, the Auxerre coach, causing concern among supporters.

But the 58-year-old coach finally extends his contract until 2025. A solid foundation to approach the season in Ligue 2, always dangerous after relegation. Our sports journalist, Gaël Simon, sees this event as the starting point for the epic journey towards the return to Ligue 1. “It is the first decisive 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 the season started.”

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 loss. They are unable to string together wins to give them some breathing room. But it is this meeting in November won against a heavyweight in French football: AS Saint-Étienne.

Auxerrois managed to win 5-2 after a crazy clash between two challengers for the climb. For Gaël Simon, this is one of the decisive matches of the season. “It was a fantastic match, a fiery meeting”he enthuses. “It was a strong moment for the club. For me, after this game, the season changes. You start an unbeaten streak and 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 of 10 against 11 against Angers

If Auxerre manages to stay at the top of the rankings, it still needs to assert its status. This is the case within 24^e day 10 February against Angers SCO. After the sending off 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, coming to score in the last minute, it’s fantastic”recalls our sports journalist. “Angers are second and you beat them in these conditions. It really is a championship game.”

4 The coup against Laval

Lately, AJA has been able to hold its own despite the pressure. After two successive defeats, Christophe Pélissier’s players nevertheless saw the Angevins return to 3 points with five days to go. Saint-Étienne were also only 4 points away. If Auxerrois had not responded, the end of the season would have been nightmarish.

The highlight: the masterful match against Laval. “He did well”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, who play one level above. “They are at the level of 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.