It’s the 72nd minute in Letzigrund: There’s no stopping Peter Zeidler on the sideline, the players are in each other’s arms on the field. Betim Fazliji equalized for the guests a few seconds earlier. After successfully winning the ball, the FCSG combined into the penalty area, where Fazliji was ready and placed the ball in the bottom right corner of the goal with a good overview.
St. Gallen is looking for the winning goal
It was an overdue goal from the guests, who clearly put their stamp on the game. And the hit released further energies. As a result, GC was barely able to free themselves from the clutches and were lucky when Christian Witzig shot the ball over the goal from a promising position around a quarter of an hour before the end. A few minutes earlier, Hoppers keeper Justin Hammel had already made a brilliant save against the eager Witzig.
The St. Gallen team had themselves to blame for falling behind in the first place. After a corner in the 25th minute, keeper Ati Zigi tried to punch the ball away, but his defensive attempt landed directly at Tsiy Ndenge, who nodded gratefully.
Previously, both teams had offered little to look at in the sparsely filled Letzigrund on the barely playable pitch. The uncertainty after being out of the cup – both teams had been eliminated a week ago against lower-class teams – was noticeable and visible. St. Gallen in particular were not particularly efficient in front of the goal. For example, the otherwise conspicuous Julian von Moos missed a great chance in stoppage time in the first half.
While St. Gallen will struggle with the lack of efficiency, GC should console themselves with the fact that they have scored points again after three recent championship defeats.
This is how it continues
Both teams don’t have a long break, it’s an English week ahead. St. Gallen welcomes YB next Wednesday, GC will be a “guest” in Letzigrund when FCZ hosts the first derby of the season on Tuesday.