AJ Auxerre secured an emphatic 4-0 victory over RC Lens on Sunday, with Malian forward Lassine Sinayoko delivering a sensational performance that saw him register three assists in a dazzling first-half display.
Sinayoko, who has built a reputation more for his creativity than his goalscoring, took centre stage at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
The 25-year-old demonstrated his impeccable vision and precision by setting up three goals in quick succession, dismantling Lens’ defence and putting Auxerre firmly in control before the interval.
The first assist came in the 33rd minute, followed swiftly by another in the 40th, and a third just four minutes later in the 44th.
Each pass was delivered with pinpoint accuracy, underlining Sinayoko’s ability to read the game and execute under pressure.
His hat-trick of assists in just 11 minutes effectively ended Lens’ hopes of mounting a challenge, as Auxerre stormed into a commanding lead.
This standout performance brings Sinayoko’s assist tally to eight for the season, further cementing his status as a crucial component of Christophe Pélissier’s squad.
While he has found the back of the net only three times this campaign, his influence extends far beyond goals, with his ability to link play and unlock opposition defences proving invaluable.
Auxerre’s thumping win also came at a critical juncture.
After suffering back-to-back defeats, the Burgundy club needed a lift, and Sunday’s result provided exactly that.
The comprehensive nature of the victory not only ended their losing streak but also strengthened their position in the top half of the Ligue 1 table, reigniting hopes of a strong finish to the season.
For Sinayoko, the performance was a clear statement of his growing importance to Auxerre’s ambitions.
His intelligence, technical skill, and unselfish play have made him a linchpin in attack, and with displays like this, he will undoubtedly continue to be central to the club’s plans going forward.
As Auxerre turns its attention to the final stretch of the season, the confidence from this win, coupled with the artistry of players like Sinayoko, gives them renewed belief in their ability to compete against the division’s best.
