Auxerre turned a difficult evening around at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps, recovering from an outstanding Pathé Mboup strike to beat Brest 2-1 and climb above their visitors in the Ligue 1 table.
Brest had taken control in the 23rd minute when Mboup produced a superb opening goal, but Auxerre refused to let another early setback define their night. After beginning the campaign with three league defeats, the Burgundy side have now won two successive home matches and have begun to find a response when the game turns against them.
The equaliser arrived almost immediately after the interval. Cameron Archer, who had been largely cut off from the contest during the first half, made his first real opportunity count in the 47th minute. The English centre-forward controlled intelligently, shifted the ball into position and drove a low left-footed finish across goal.
Will Still’s changes gave Auxerre more presence after the break, and Archer became increasingly involved as the home side connected their attacking play more effectively. The 24-year-old is making a rapid impact since arriving from Southampton on transfer deadline day, September 1.
His goal was Archer’s third in three Ligue 1 appearances for Auxerre. The 2023 European Under-21 champion with England joined on loan without a purchase option, while remaining under contract with Southampton until June 2028.
Auxerre completed the comeback seven minutes from time, when Brest defender Raphaël Le Guen put the ball into his own net. The 2-1 result leaves the Icaunais club on six points from six matches, one ahead of Brest, who remain on five.
