The 2011-12 campaign delivered ultimate heartbreak for Auxerre, as L'AJA finished a crushing 20th in Ligue 1, resulting in their first-ever relegation and ending an incredible 32 consecutive years in the top flight. Despite the turbulence and managerial changes, forward Dennis Oliech notched 10 crucial goals. The season culminated in a dramatic, controversial final-day loss to title-winners Montpellier, a game that saw fan unrest halt play and definitively seal the end of an iconic era in French football.