Match Overview
RC Lens opened Ligue 1 by beating Auxerre 5-2 on Saturday 12 August. The match was played at Lens, where the team saw former heroes of the previous season, Bollaert, return to their club. Both sides underwent heavy changes: Auxerre sent off Sangaré, Sarr, Saint-Maximin, Saïd and Thomasson, while Lens integrated Cuisance, Titraoui, Nawrocki and Ivanovic, all starting under Toppmöller. Lens fans also saw Will Still return to the bench of the AJA, and Danny Namaso took a more prominent role in the attack.
Lens’ Goals
Florian Thauvin opened the score in the 12th minute with a penalty after Piedfort’s handball, confirmed by VAR. The Croat continued to score: a second goal by Ivanovic in the 49th minute, followed by a goal by Abdulhamid in the 54th minute from a Thauvin cross. Ganiou added a third goal in the 66th minute after a Skoras cross. The fourth goal came from Sy in the 69th minute after a two-pass sequence. Finally, a last penalty by Thauvin was converted in the 69th minute, sealing the score at 5-2.
Auxerre’s Response
Auxerre was reduced to ten men in the 35th minute after Makosso’s foul on Sima. Despite this penalty, the team tried to react: Namaso cut the deficit to 3-1 in the 60th minute, and Cuisance was fouled in his area, allowing Namaso to score. The team continued to push, but Lens maintained control, with a second goal by Thauvin concluding the match.
End of Match
The match ended with a final penalty by Thauvin, converted in the 69th minute, confirming Lens’ 5-2 victory. RC Lens thus began the season in style, positioning the team at the top of Ligue 1.
