Recap: AJA, Lens Play to Thrilling 2-2 Draw

RC Lens and AJ Auxerre played an exciting match on Saturday night at Stade de l'Abbé-Deschamps, ending the 2024 part of their Ligue 1 McDonald’s season with a 2-2 draw.

Neil El Aynaoui opened the scoring in the 22nd minute for the visitors off an assist from Rémy Labeau Lascary. The 23-year-old scored off a right-footed shot from the center of the box to allow RC Lens to take a 1-0 lead early in the first half.

The away side's lead wouldn't last long as AJA found the equalizing goal in the 31st minute thanks to a free kick with a right-footed shot from Gaëtan Perrin.

Despite the home squad leveling the score, the match wouldn't go into halftime 1-1 as RC Lens secured their second goal of the half thanks to a strike from M'Bala Nzola in the 45th minute.

The 28-year-old scored off a left-footed shot from outside the box following a fast break to allow Les Sang et Or to take a 2-1 lead into the break.

In the 73rd minute, Gabriel Osho scored off an assist from Lassine Sinayoko with a cross following a corner. Osho connected on a header from the right side of the six-yard box to the bottom left corner as Auxerre leveled the scoring 2-2.

Neither side could find the late goal to secure all three points as the two squads left the match with a point each.

After the match, AJA manager Christophe Pélissier spoke to the media and praised his squad for overcoming a deficit on two occasions during this match.

"Scoring two goals against the best defense in the league, especially after coming from behind twice, really shows our strength of character. We're happy to take a point from this game. I'm pleased with the team's mindset... Every weekend presents new challenges. This group needs to believe in its abilities, and that's what I told them at halftime—stay calm and keep our focus."

The draw temporarily moves RC Lens in the UEFA Europa Conference League places, as they sit sixth in the Ligue 1 McDonald’s table with 24 points. Auxerre, just three points behind, are also eyeing a spot in European football for 2025.

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