AJ Auxerre 1–2 US Orléans
International Club Friendly | July 26, 2026

AJ Auxerre began their pre‑season preparations with a narrow 2–1 defeat at the hands of regional rivals US Orléans in a lively friendly encounter. The match, played behind closed doors at the Stade de l’Abbé‑Deschamps, offered both sides valuable minutes ahead of their respective domestic campaigns.

Match Overview

Orléans, competing in the third tier of French football, showed no fear against their Ligue 2 opponents. They took the lead midway through the first half when a swift counter‑attack caught Auxerre’s defence off guard, with the finish clinically placed into the bottom corner. Auxerre responded well and equalised before the break through a well‑worked set‑piece routine, nodding home from close range.

Decisive Second Half

The second half saw Orléans regain control and they eventually found a winner with just over twenty minutes remaining. A speculative long‑range effort took a deflection, leaving the Auxerre goalkeeper with no chance. Despite late pressure, the home side could not find a second equaliser.

Takeaways

Auxerre manager Christophe Pélissier will be pleased with the intensity shown, but will look for sharper finishing in their upcoming friendlies. Orléans, meanwhile, demonstrated excellent organisation and counter‑attacking instincts that bode well for their season.