Auxerre’s German triumph warns Lens ahead of Bollaert clash

With just days left before travelling to the RC Lens turf, AJ Auxerre have sealed their final rehearsal, while the Sang et Or still linger after a 0‑2 loss to Sunderland. Auxerre’s confidence surged after a 1‑0 win in Allemagne, contrasting Lens’s week‑long match hiatus.

Diverging preparation paths

The Bourguignons finished their summer campaign on a high note, beating Werder Brême 0‑1 on the German soil, a result reported by Lensois.com. Before that victory, the Auxerrois endured a 1‑2 defeat to Orléans, then recorded draws against Sochaux and Troyes, before rebounding abroad.

RC Lens, nicknamed the Sang et Or, have not played since their 0‑2 defeat to Sunderland on 8 August. Earlier in the pre‑season they dispatched Boulogne‑sur‑Mer 4‑1, drew 2‑2 with Charleroi, and dominated Crystal Palace 3‑0 and Villarreal 3‑1; their encounter with Famalicão ended in a penalty shoot‑out after a 0‑0 stalemate.

The reception of the Auxerre side is firmly set for Bollaert‑Delelis, despite earlier questions surrounding the organisation of the event. Lens must now use the match to regain rhythm after more than a week without competitive action.

This contrast while the Auxerrois arrive buoyed by recent success abroad, the Sang et Or need to shake off their recent setback and prove they can match the momentum of their opponents.