- The Young Boys managed a 1-1 draw away from Sporting Lisbon in the 1/16 final second leg of the Europa League.
- After the 1:3 defeat in the first leg, this result means the team is out of European competition.
- In the Portuguese capital, the Bernese equalized with a penalty shortly before the end.
As a result, YB says goodbye to the European stage in style. According to coach Raphael Wicky, a “perfect game” was needed after the 3-1 defeat in the first leg. The Bernese team, visiting Sporting Lisbon, was unable to achieve this for long stretches. The fact that there was a remarkable draw in the end was mainly due to YB goalie David von Ballmoos and the incompetence of the Sporting players.
But Silvère Ganvoula also played his part: After the ball unfortunately flew into Marcus Edwards’ outstretched arm in the Sporting penalty area, the YB striker took responsibility in the 84th minute and safely converted from the spot to make it 1-1 , which should last until the end.
Legend:
Had duels with Viktor Gyökeres again
YB defender Aurèle Amenda.
Claudio De Capitani/freshfocus
Sporting’s usury of opportunities
Before that, the home team had given away a number of top-class players, especially in the second half, when the score was 1-0. A second goal from the Portuguese would most likely have resulted in (another) home win. In the domestic league, Ruben Amorim’s team has won 11 of 11 home games this season.
Edwards, the later unlucky man, was the center of attention shortly before the break: after a burst of energy from the constantly dangerous Viktor Gyökeres, the Englishman only had to push into the empty goal, but he stumbled on the ball (45th).
After the break, the Portuguese despaired of YB goalie Ballmoos:
- 56th minute: After a foul by Fabian Lustenberger on Trincao, Gyökeres runs for the penalty and fails because of Von Ballmoos, who senses the right corner. He also keeps the margin.
- 63rd minute: Daniel Braganca fails to get the ball past the YB keeper from a few meters after a perfect assist from Edwards.
- 82nd minute: Gyökeres fails alone in front of the YB goal due to the strong nerves of the Bernese goalkeeper.
Early deficit for YB
Since the 13th minute, YB had been chasing a 0-1 deficit. Trincao played to striker Gyökeres, who cleverly maneuvered his way past Lustenberger in the penalty area and then coolly curled the ball into the right corner. The YB captain had expressly warned about Sporting’s strong offensive before the game.
Otherwise, not much worth mentioning happened in the first round. Raphael Wicky’s team started the second leg bravely, but clearly lacked penetration. In the only moderately filled Estadio Jose Alvalade XXI, YB only managed one shot towards the Sporting goal in the entire first half. Ultimately, there was too much missing to seriously cause Sporting Lisbon to falter again.
This is how it goes
Just three days after the end of the Europa League adventure, the next highlight is on the agenda for YB. On Sunday (4:30 p.m.) the Bernese will welcome their first rival Servette for the top Super League game.