Derby Vs Auxerre

Auxerre remains in search of their first victory in 2025 as they prepare to visit Stade Francis-Le Ble for a Valentine’s Day clash against Brest on Friday. The home side, buoyed by a 2-0 victory over Nantes last weekend, currently sit in eighth place in Ligue 1. Meanwhile, Auxerre slipped to 11th following a 2-2 draw against Toulouse, continuing their winless streak.

The year 2025 has been an exceptionally demanding period for Stade Brestois, and their packed schedule appeared to take a toll on Tuesday when they suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie. Despite their struggles on the European stage, Brest has demonstrated resilience in their domestic campaign, showing strong form and maintaining consistency. Eric Roy’s squad has managed to secure four victories in their last five Ligue 1 encounters, an impressive feat that underscores their ability to balance multiple competitions.

Brest’s commendable performances in Ligue 1 have reignited hopes of returning to European competition next season. Currently, they find themselves just two points behind Lyon in the race for a Europa Conference League spot. Their recent domestic form has been formidable, winning four of their last five league matches—a significant turnaround compared to their previous 11 matches, where they secured the same number of victories in a much longer span.

On home soil at Stade Francis-Le Ble, Brest has enjoyed a strong record, winning three of their last four top-flight matches. These three triumphs have come with a combined goal difference of 9-3, further reinforcing their dominance at home. However, should they fall to defeat against Auxerre, it would mark the first time since February-March 2023 that they have suffered back-to-back home losses in Ligue 1.

For Auxerre, their current struggles have cast a shadow over their 2025 campaign, and there has been little for Christophe Pelissier to celebrate heading into Valentine’s Day. The club has endured a prolonged winless streak, now stretching to 10 consecutive matches across all competitions. Their inability to secure victories has been a persistent concern, with just three points collected from their six league fixtures in 2025.

One of the most alarming aspects of Auxerre’s form has been their repeated failure to secure maximum points despite taking the lead in games. This inability to maintain control after scoring has been evident in their last match against Toulouse, where they surrendered two second-half leads to settle for a 2-2 draw. Such lapses in concentration have plagued Pelissier’s side throughout the campaign, contributing to their ongoing struggles.

Auxerre’s winless run in Ligue 1 has now extended to nine matches, a dismal record that places them among the least successful teams in Europe’s top five leagues during this period. Alongside Reims, they remain one of only two teams that have failed to secure a victory in regulation time since December. This unwanted statistic highlights the challenges they have faced in finding a winning formula.

The defensive frailties and lack of a clinical edge in attack have further compounded Auxerre’s woes. Their performances away from home have been particularly concerning, as they have suffered four consecutive defeats in domestic away fixtures. During this run, they have conceded 11 goals while managing to score only three, an alarming disparity that underscores their struggles on the road.

Despite their current predicament, Auxerre can take some solace in their previous encounter with Brest earlier this season. In September, they claimed a convincing 3-0 victory, a result that showcased their potential when playing at their best. If they can replicate that level of performance on Friday, they stand a chance of securing back-to-back Ligue 1 victories over Brest for the first time in their history.

However, overturning their poor form will require a significant improvement in multiple aspects of their game. Their defensive structure must be more resolute, ensuring they do not squander leads as they have done in recent weeks. Additionally, their attacking unit must capitalize on opportunities and convert them into goals, an area in which they have struggled significantly.

Brest, on the other hand, will aim to continue their impressive domestic form and consolidate their push for European qualification. Their ability to navigate a congested schedule while maintaining consistency has been commendable, and they will look to bounce back swiftly from their Champions League setback against PSG.

With their home crowd behind them and the momentum from recent league victories, Brest will enter the match as favorites. Their ability to control proceedings, dictate play, and capitalize on Auxerre’s defensive vulnerabilities could prove decisive. If they execute their game plan effectively, they have a strong chance of continuing their push toward the upper echelons of the Ligue 1 standings.

Auxerre, meanwhile, must approach this match with a sense of urgency. Time is running out for them to turn their fortunes around, and every point is crucial in their quest to climb the table. They must show resilience, determination, and a newfound ability to close out games in order to break their winless streak.

Ultimately, the Valentine’s Day clash at Stade Francis-Le Ble presents a compelling narrative. Brest will look to maintain their upward trajectory and keep their European ambitions alive, while Auxerre will desperately seek to end their prolonged drought and rediscover the winning touch. With both teams having clear objectives, the encounter promises to be an intense and competitive battle on the pitch.