The FCL offensive lacked efficiency in finishing for long periods and left chance after chance. Not so in the 63rd minute, when the guests presented their best attack of the game. After Severin Ottiger’s cross pass to the penalty spot, Captain Ardon Jashari didn’t need to be asked twice and gave GC goalie Justin Hammel no chance with his powerful finish.
FC Luzern took control of the game early on and dominated possession. Since GC pressed heavily but inefficiently, the guests found space in their opponents’ half early on. But Mario Frick’s players didn’t know how to take advantage of this. However, Lucerne had to rely on goalkeeper Pascal Loretz, who held strong against Filipe de Carvalho shortly before half-time.
Asset Chader
The Grasshoppers gave the guests a lot of freedom on offense. One person who was able to take advantage of these too many shots on goal was Sofyan Chader. The Frenchman missed Lucerne’s opening goal in the second minute. Shortly before the break he hit the ball against the post, and after the break he sinned several times when he finished.
The home team searched in vain for an asset, let alone someone who would put Loretz in serious trouble. The Grasshoppers also failed to make a final offensive and they hardly had any significant chance to equalize.
Contentious situations
Referee Mirel Turkes took center stage twice and caused Lucerne to shake their heads. In the 9th minute the visitors wanted to award a penalty, but Turkes’ whistle remained silent, a justifiable decision. Dion Kameri was well served with a yellow card in the 69th minute when he hit Dorn in the abdomen with his sole.
With the win, FC Luzern builds up a small cushion of 4 points in 7th place, at least for one night. GC has to look backwards after the defeat: The Zurich team slipped to 10th place, on Sunday Lausanne-Sport can even catch up with the Grasshoppers in terms of points with a win against Winterthur.
This is how it continues
Since both teams have already been eliminated from the cup, their next game is this weekend. GC will visit bottom side Stade-Lausanne-Ouchy on Saturday, while FC Luzern will host neighbors FC Lugano on Sunday.