One’s joy, another’s sorrow: While the threat of direct relegation for the Grasshoppers vanished into thin air on Tuesday evening, the guest from Yverdon still had no reason to celebrate. Due to the 0-2 defeat in Letzigrund, the promoted team did not yet ensure that they would stay in the league. The Vaudois still need a point (in the worst case scenario) so that they no longer have anything to do with the barrage and thus a possible relegation.
Rodrigues hits the crossbar, Ndenge makes everything clear
It was a thoroughly entertaining game that the 4,500 fans in Zurich got to see. Especially after the break and especially in the final quarter of an hour, there were numerous dangerous chances to score on both sides.
Yverdon pushed hard for the 1-1 equalizer and came very close to it when Mauro Rodrigues shot against the crossbar in the 85th minute. But the second goal of the evening came a short time later on the other side: Tsiy Ndenge made everything clear for GC in the 89th minute with his low shot from the edge of the penalty area. The same player had hit the crossbar with a free kick 10 minutes earlier.
Shortly before the final whistle, Mohamed Tijani was thrown off the pitch by the guests. He had visibly lost his nerve and saw yellow twice within seconds.
Momoh provides the highlight before the break
The first half was far less spectacular, with the guests in particular disappointing. The only real highlight of the first 45 minutes was Marco Schällibaum’s team’s opening goal. Francis Momoh completed a straightforward attack by the “Hoppers” with the home team making it 1-0 (40th).
After Yverdon lost the ball unnecessarily on the side, Awer Mabil picked up speed and passed sharply into the center. There Momoh ran into position and shot the ball directly into the corner of the goal. Keeper Paul Bernardoni had no chance of defending.
This is how it continues
GC and Yverdon are back in action in the Super League on Saturday. Zurich will host FC Basel at 6:00 p.m. for the classic and can continue to flirt with 10th place. At the same time, Yverdon is challenging FC Luzern at home and can secure relegation with a draw.