When FC St. Gallen meets the Bernese Young Boys, goals are actually guaranteed. Last season there were an average of more than three goals between these two teams. But on this Wednesday evening, the teams in Kybunpark did not show their dangerous side for a long time. It was only in the final phase that the game really took off.
Meschack Elia opened the scoring in the 69th minute. The champions responded to a promising attack from St. Gallen with a quickly launched counterattack. Elia enjoyed a surprising amount of freedom in the opposing half and gratefully accepted the invitation with a try from around 20 meters. And indeed: St. Gallen keeper Lawrence Ati Zigi was unable to do anything against the ball and the Bernese team took a 1-0 lead.
However, the “Aspens” had the perfect answer ready. Less than three minutes later, the ball fidgeted in the net behind YB captain David von Ballmoos, who was making his Super League comeback after almost a year out due to injury. Fabian Schubert completed a straightforward attack via Julian von Moos between the legs of the Bern goalkeeper to make it 1-1.
And in the 75th minute, the Kybunpark was completely transformed into a green and white festival hut. Mattia Zanotti broke through beautifully on the right, but only hit the post from a tight angle. But the ball bounced precisely to Mihailo Stevanovic, who only had to push in from a central position. St. Gallen coach Peter Zeidler showed a golden touch: Joker scored both goals. As a result, there was no convincing YB answer. The Bernese could hardly generate any more pressure, St. Gallen maintained the lead.
Slow first half
In the first 45 minutes, the spectators in St. Gallen didn’t quite get their money’s worth. Both teams took turns taking control of the game, but hardly had any dangerous scenes. YB didn’t manage a single shot at the opponent’s goal in the first round.
Even at the beginning of the second half, the game was unable to live up to its promise. Only the final phase brought the hoped-for entertainment and, from the home fans’ point of view, the perfect outcome. For YB, the 1:2 in Kybunpark is the first defeat of the season. Thanks to this victory, the “Espen” have overtaken the champions in the table and are now in second place in the table.
This is how it goes
In the next round of the Super League, YB will be guests at Grasshoppers this Saturday. The St. Gallen team will play against Yverdon-Sport a day later.