The kick-off in Letzigrund had only just taken place and the FCZ already had the first great chance of the game. Bledian Krasniqi failed to finish because of Servette goalie Joël Mall. There weren’t even 30 seconds left on the clock. The guests did better with their first opportunity: League top scorer Chris Bedia gave Servette the lead after three and a half minutes.
The goalscorer initiated the attack himself on the sideline, took Dereck Kutesa with him and benefited from his heel trick. The 27-year-old then scored from a few meters to make it 1-0 for Geneva. An offensive fireworks display from both teams in the starting minutes with the better end for Servette.
However, the teams were unable to maintain the pace of the first few minutes. After the Geneva lead, the FCZ tried hard, but couldn’t find a way to counter the compact defense. Servette had better chances. Before the break, Yoan Severin and Miroslav Stevanovic failed.
Rouiller follows up
After the break, Geneva were almost certain of winning a point. In the last 42 Super League games with a break lead, the Calvinstadt team never left the field as losers – a series that goes back to 2013 and did not come to an end in Letzigrund either.
The guests remained more consistent in the second half. After a seemingly cleared corner, Timothé Cognat followed up and brought the cross back into the penalty area. There, defender Steve Rouiller was completely free and scored to make it 2-0 and decide the game – FCZ’s first defeat of the season was sealed.
Geneva maps at the end
The fact that the Genevans will probably not be completely satisfied when they return home was due to an action in the 89th minute. Stevanovic came too late against Ifeanyi Matthew and hit him with his open sole. The direct red card was the referee’s clear verdict.
However, Bedia did not agree with the decision and, now working from the bench, picked up a yellow card for complaining. It is his fourth of the current season – so he will miss the next game, like Stevanovic, who is suspended.
This is how it goes
Servette will host Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday. On Sunday the championship will be against FC Basel. FC Zurich also plays away against FC Lugano on Sunday.