While Ireneusz Jelen, with his nine goals in an injury-plagued season, may not be topping Ligue 1’s scorers charts, he does have one record that would be the envy of strikers everywhere – every time he has scored this season, in both the league and the French Cup, Auxerre have won.

Prophecy fulfilled

And so it was against leaders and champions Bordeaux on Wednesday night, even though when the Pole slammed home Romania international Daniel Niculae’s cross for an equaliser in the 65^th minute, earning his side a draw would have been exploit enough.

But Jelen was not to be denied and kept his talismanic record intact when he notched the winner – heading home after his initial shot came back off the crossbar – in the 83^rd minute, taking his side to third place and cracking the title race wide open.

"You can’t afford to take your eyes off him," said Fernandez after the match, relishing his striker’s incredible efficiency in front of goal. "He had two chances against Bordeaux: two goals. Against Valenciennes [1-0 win for Auxerre], one chance: one goal. Always, one chance: one goal. That’s Jelen."

'Simply incredible'

Fernandez, who signed Jelen from Polish side Wisla Plock soon after taking the reins of the Burgundy club in 2006, admires the simplicity – and effectiveness – of his star striker’s game. 

"When you see him at training, you see he isn’t the most skilful player in the world," said Fernandez frankly. "But he can score goals. You put the ball into space – he’s got perfect timing for running into space and his finishing – it’s simply incredible."

With Jelen hitting form after time out injured and helping his side back towards the top of the table, Fernandez is in no doubt that the Pole’s name will be appearing on many European clubs’ wishlists before the summer transfer window opens.

"Unfortunately for us, he’s so good that I don’t think we’ll have him next season," conceded the Auxerre boss. "He could play for any club."

>> Match report: Jelen double salvo stuns Bordeaux
>> Ireneusz Jelen’s goals