FCB newcomer Fyodor Tschalow was only to overcome his lack of goals in his 5th appearance in the Super League – but then twice. With his two goals in the 2nd half, he secured a point for FC Basel. The St. Gallen missed the 5th victory in the 6th game with the 2:2, but remained undefeated in the second half of the season.
Basel transformed
Guillermo Abascal must have found the right words during the break. Because what FCB showed in the second half was hardly reminiscent of the passive impression made by the red-blue team in the first half. So Tschalow crowned a willful effort by Basel, who believed in winning the point despite being 2-0 down, with the late equalizer (83rd). His goal was preceded by a mistake by St. Gallen’s Patrick Sutter, beneficiary Michael Lang served in an exemplary manner for Tschalow.
It was also the Russian who pushed his chest over the line after the change of sides in the 56th minute and thus heralded the Basel reincarnation. In the middle of this pressure phase, Jérémy Guillemenot (66th) forgave the early decision from close range, but otherwise the numerous attempts by Basel to attack almost gave a hint of the equalizer.
St. Gallen starting offensive
In the first half, on the other hand, unsettled Basel players let themselves be shown off by the self-confidence of the eastern Swiss. The St. Gallen used their superiority to score two early goals:
- 20 minutes: Kwadwo Duah forces Heinz Lindner to make a save with a full low shot. His defense became the ideal template for Guillemenot, who easily achieved the St. Gallen lead.
- 22 minutes: After a counterattack, goalscorer Guillemenot retaliates with a precise cross to his strike partner Duah. This scored his 10th goal of the season from an acute angle.
In the “Bebbi” game, only Taulant Xhaka, who tangled with Guillemenot and got away with a yellow card, and Tschalow shortly before the break whistle provided signs of life. Lawrence Ati Zigi parried the Russian’s shot miraculously – it was to remain the only duel between the two from which the St. Gallen goalie emerged victorious.
Here’s how to proceed
For both teams, the next serious fight is already on Sunday. While FC Basel is visiting Lugano, St. Gallen are hosting FC Sion in their home arena.