Auxerre's nine-minute blitz drowns Metz's possession dominance

Average Futmetrix Score: 50/100. In a brutal display of intensity, Auxerre exploited a chaotic spell to dispatch Metz 3-1 and inject life into their relegation-battle campaign.

The first-half explosion

At Stade de l'Abbé Deschamps, Auxerre detonated in the 36th minute. L. Sinayoko opened from the spot, then Oussama El Azzouzi doubled three minutes later off S. Mara's assist. Metz, controlling 61% possession, was caught flat-footed by the home side's clinical edge. Gauthier Hein pulled one back at 45+1, but the damage was done—three goals in nine minutes had shifted the entire balance.

Danois seals it late

Kévin Danois, rated 8.5/10, added the fourth at 89 minutes, courtesy of Danny Namaso's assist. This late strike killed any hope of a Metz comeback. The visitors' possession (61%) masked a toothless attack: just five shots, three on target. Auxerre's 14 attempts (7 on target) proved far more lethal. This was a six-pointer—two clubs fighting for survival, and only one could afford to lose.

The stakes were always there

Auxerre (16th, 12 points from 15 games) climbs above Metz (18th, 11 points), who now face the prospect of slipping further into the abyss. For teams with Auxerre's record (3 wins, 9 losses) and Metz's dire form (3 wins, 10 losses, -19 goal difference), every victory is an act of defiance. The Icaunais showed teeth when it mattered most; Metz's possession-heavy approach crumbled under pressure.