Winner takes all at Auxerre
Saturday, April 6, 2002
Article summary
AJ Auxerre and Olympique Lyonnnais put their Le Championnat title hopes on the line on Sunday.
Article body
Sunday's match between AJ Auxerre and Olympique Lyonnais sees both teams putting their Le Championnat title hopes on the line, with defeat ending any chance they have of claiming the championship.
Four-point gap
Lyon lie in second place, four points behind leaders RC Lens, with Auxerre a further two behind in fourth, with a postponed game at CS Sedan-Ardennes in hand. Only three teams qualify for the 2002/03 UEFA Champions League, giving this match huge significance even if Lens drop no more points this season.
Missed chance
Auxerre missed a chance to go second and put real pressure on the leaders on Monday by losing 3-0 at Olympique de Marseille. Another disappointment in their Abbé Deschamps stadium would be costly, something midfield player Yann Lachuer admits.
'Match of the year'
"This match against Lyon has to be considered as the match of the year for us. If we lose, we can forget finishing second," said Lachuer, who did not play against Marseille.
Injury worries
However, the trip is no simple task for Lyon. Coach Jacques Santini, who has had to contend with several injury worries in recent weeks, sent his 17-man squad to Clairefontaine, base of the French 1998 FIFA World Cup-winning team, to prepare for the match in isolation for four days.
'Turning point'
Santini, whose side won their November home match against Auxerre 3-0, said: "This match will be an important turning point of the season. Both teams kept their squads stable in the winter break, which is important for my tactical approach."
'Counting on Bréchet'
Lyon are counting on their experienced and well-integrated defence marshalled by Jérémie Bréchet against Auxerre's young and prolific strike duo Djibril Cissé and Khalilou Fadiga. "I am counting on Jérémie Bréchet who will mark Cissé," Santini said.
'Not afraid of anyone'
Bréchet himself warned: "Auxerre are built on solidarity. They are strong, efficient and they are not afraid of anyone." After visiting Auxerre, Lyon have a trip to FC Girondins de Bordeaux sandwiched by two home matches - the second of which is the final day visit of Lens.
Last day Lens visit
However, defeat by Auxurre, who also are at home in two of their remaining three fixtures, would leave Lyon facing an uphill struggle to catch their season-ending opponents.
