Result
RC Lens opened Ligue 1 with a 5-2 win over AJ Auxerre on 22 August 2026 at the Bollaert-Delelis stadium. The score was sealed by a double from Florian Thauvin, first goal of the match from a penalty at the 12th minute and second at the 88th minute. Souleymane Sagnan netted the fourth goal of the Racing at the 66th minute, while Saud Abdulhamid added a third at the 54th minute. Auxerre narrowed the gap thanks to two goals from Danny Namaso (60th minute, penalty) and Lamine Sy (66th minute).
Match details
The match started with Lens taking the lead thanks to the first penalty. Auxerre tried to come back, but the sending-off of Christ Makosso at the 35th minute put the team in trouble. Auxerre were reduced to ten men for over an hour, which facilitated the Lens attacks. At the 49th minute, Franjo Ivanovic scored Auxerre’s first goal, but Lens regained the advantage at the 54th minute.
Key performances
Florian Thauvin, 33 and new captain of the club, was the architect of success by scoring two penalties and delivering a decisive cross to Saud Abdulhamid. Souleymane Sagnan, 21, returned from a loan at Caen and scored the fourth goal, while playing a crucial role in defense. Auxerre saw its defenders Dioussé, Senaya and Okoh injured, and striker Bair suspended, weakening their line.
Statistics
Lens dominated possession with 52 % versus 48 % for Auxerre. Lens hit 7 of 9 shots on target, while Auxerre only scored 4 of 8. Auxerre committed 19 fouls versus 5 for Lens. The difference in offensive efficiency was decisive.
Next steps
RC Lens confirms that it is already on the right track for its Champions League return from September. Lens’s next match is at Strasbourg, where the team must continue to accumulate points to consolidate its position at the top of the table.
