Decisive figure turns the game for Lille at Auxerre | OneFootball

Nabil Bentaleb settled the contest in the 77th minute with a crisp left-footed finish, steering Lille to a 4-3 victory at Auxerre.

His equaliser (77.) came from the edge of the box, hit early and low into the bottom corner to tilt momentum towards the visitors.

He then helped manage the closing stages, winning a free kick in the third minute of second half stoppage time to ease pressure and slow Auxerre's push.

Bentaleb's control told across the pitch: three attempts, 56 accurate passes and five clearances, plus 15 successful passes in the final third underscored why he was Lille's reference point in midfield.

Operating from the centre, his composure on the ball and timing to step forward between lines kept Auxerre's midfield turning and ensured Lille dictated the key phases late on.

Lille rise from fourth to third in Ligue 1. They visit St Maur Lusitanos in the Coupe de France next, while Auxerre host Monaco in the same competition.