The Bernese proved to be more greedy and aggressive from the start. Probably the 4-0 embarrassment from the first meeting in St. Gallen on match day 2 still in the bones of the champions.
Lawrence Ati Zigi in the St. Gallen goal was on the spot several times and kept the visitors in the game with strong saves. But then came three magical moments from St. Gallen’s side, which where to have a decisive impact on the game.
- 23. Minute: The Bernese abuse the ball carelessly during the build-up period. FCSG striker Felix Mambimbi departs, but Jaouen Hadjam is able to steal the game away from him in need. the visitors (probably wrongly) claim a penalty.
- 23. Minute: In a direct return, YB scores to make it 1-0. After a cross, Zigi and the central defender Albert Vallci become in an awkward way on each other, Darian Males to take advantage and just push in.
- 26. Minute: Alan’s involuntary distraction puts Virginius in the best position to finish. Shortly after,Zigi was able to get the Frenchman’s superb strike onto the post off the line,but cedric Itten was on target to make it 2-0.
Konietzke elegant, Yannick impetuous
It was only after the break that the St. Gallen side seemed to have fully recovered from the back and were better.In the 53rd minute, the efforts were rewarded: After a great preparatory work by corsin Konietzke, the ball came the other way to Moustapha Cissé, who was able to shorten the score.
less than 10 minutes later, the East Swiss took the wind out of their own sails. Half-time substitute Noah Yannick made a rough attack on the Males and hit a YB winger on the ankle with his open foot. Referee luca Cibelli changed his yellow card to a dismissal after consulting the television images.
In the final stage, the Bernese, who were superior both in terms of play and numbers, wanted to make the decision. Only the 26th shot found its way past the excellent zigi, Silvere Ganvoula who made it 3-1.In the table, YB are closing in on FCSG thanks to their 4th home win in a row and are still 1 point behind St. gallen (7th).
This is how it continues
Both teams are back in action in the Cup round of 16 during the week: the Bernese will visit schaffhausen on Wednesday, the Gallen Saint will compete away against Bellinzona a day later. The championship for YB continues on Saturday at Sion, FCSG welcomes FCB on Sunday.
