Defeated by Auxerre, Lille and Calvin Verdonk still qualify for the UEFA Champions League

LOSC Lille have secured qualification for next season's Champions League, despite falling to a 0-2 defeat against AJ Auxerre in the final 2025/2026 French Ligue 1 fixture early Monday WIB. The side featuring Indonesia National Team Defender Calvin Verdonk concluded the league campaign in third position.  

Playing at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille faced enormous pressure to hold on to a top three spot in the final Ligue 1 Standings. However the visiting side executed an efficient game plan, sealing victory with two goals from Lassine Sinayoko in the 32nd and 90th minutes.

This loss did not end Lille's bid for Europe's elite club competition. Bruno Genesio's squad finished the season third on 61 total points.

Lille's automatic spot in the 2026/2027 Champions League was confirmed after their closest challenger Olympique Lyonnais suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat against RC Lens.

This result left Lyon settling for fourth place with 60 points, forcing them to enter the Champions League qualifying rounds next season.

For Auxerre meanwhile, this win carried critical importance. The three points guaranteed their Ligue 1 survival, as they closed the season in 15th place with 34 points.

Lille actually began the match with aggressive intent in front of their home supporters, repeatedly pressing Auxerre's defence in search of an early goal to lock in their top table position.

Auxerre however maintained disciplined, clinical play. The visitors first found the net in the 23rd minute through Sinaly Diomande, only for the goal to be overturned by VAR due to a foul during the attacking build-up.

Auxerre's valid opening goal arrived in the 32nd minute. Lassine Sinayoko beat Goalkeeper Berke Ozer to give the away side a 1-0 lead at half time.

After the break, Bruno Genesio introduced Calvin Verdonk to strengthen the backline while adding attacking support from the wide area.

The arrival of the Indonesia National Team Player injected fresh energy into Lille's performance. Even so, Auxerre's compact defence left Lille unable to create clear goalscoring opportunities.

Every wave of home pressure failed to produce an equalising goal.

As Lille committed players forward late in the match, Auxerre struck on the counter attack. Sinayoko netted his second goal in the 90th minute to confirm the 2-0 away victory.

For Calvin Verdonk, this achievement represents a major career milestone with the French club, and also marks positive progress for Indonesian Football.