Lille will have been eager to show a strong reaction after losing their midweek UEFA Europa League clash to BSC Young Boys, and they made the perfect start.
Auxerre goalkeeper Donovan Léon could only parry Osame Sahraoui’s effort into the path of Hákon Haraldsson, who slotted home the rebound.
In response, Auxerre had to wait until the 23rd minute for their first sight of goal as Josué Casimir sent an effort narrowly wide.
Throughout a first half lacking in goalmouth action, referee Jérémie Pignard was involved in the biggest moment, brandishing a straight red card following Nathan Ngoy’s rash challenge on Danny Namaso, reducing the visitors to 10 men.
Les Dogues, at least, were able to navigate the remaining eight minutes of the first half to protect their lead ahead of the second period.
On at half time for the ineffectual Rudy Matondo, Sékou Mara certainly made an impact on the game, but for the wrong reasons.
The striker, on loan from RC Strasbourg, produced a contender for miss of the season by somehow firing high into the stands from practically underneath the crossbar.
However, Lassine Sinayoko spared his blushes two minutes later by glancing a header straight into the far corner of the net to bring Auxerre level.
The hosts’ jubilation didn’t last for long, though, as they soon lost their numerical advantage when Clément Akpa received his marching orders around the hour mark for a second yellow card.
That was ultimately the catalyst for a captivating final 30 minutes, with Auxerre first turning the match on its head, albeit in fortuitous circumstances. Another substitute was involved, as Chancel Mbemba inadvertently turned the ball past his own goalkeeper.
There were to be several more twists to this tale, though, as Lille silenced the hosts in a stunning three-minute spell.
First, Nabil Bentaleb brought Bruno Génésio’s side level with a brilliant finish, before Soriba Diaoune appeared off the bench to fire visitors ahead with a curler straight into the corner.
Then, the evening’s entertainment continued as Sinayoko levelled the game from the penalty spot after Félix Correia had fouled Lamine Sy.
An unforgettable thriller was eventually decided by André as he powerfully headed home Romain Perraud’s corner.
The action was not quite done there, however, as Oussama El Azzouzi and Perraud were shown respective red cards for fighting to leave both teams with nine men.
The win sees Lille stay five points behind RC Lens at the top of the table, while Auxerre remain in the relegation play-off place after one of the most exciting games you are likely to see in Europe this campaign.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Benjamin André (LOSC Lille)