FC Luzern lost in the Cup Round of 32 in the sold-out Aarauer Brügglifeld to FC Aarau with a score of 0:1. Thus, FCL coach Mario Frick has now been eliminated three times in a row against lower-tier teams.
FC Aarau – FC Luzern (Images: fcl.fan-fotos.ch)
In the clash between Challenge League representative Aarau and FC Luzern, the underdog initially matched their opponent, even though FCL controlled the game for long stretches.
In the 13th minute, the first notable chance of the match arose: Ciganiks, unmarked on the left side, delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, where Rrudhani connected directly but shot just wide of the goal. Luzern continued to dominate possession and applied pressure on the Aarau defense. In the 30th minute, Klidje had the greatest chance of the first half to take the lead. After winning the ball, Kadak set up the striker with an excellent pass, but Klidje was thwarted by the strong save from Aarau goalkeeper Hübel.
On the other hand, the home team registered their first attempt in the 36th minute, but the shot flew over Luzern’s goal. Aarau increasingly tried to counter-attack, but despite various forays, clear chances were lacking.
The Luzern team started the second half with vigor, creating several chances, but both Rrudhani and Villiger as well as Klidje wasted their opportunities within a few minutes. Despite the pressure from Luzern, the best chance of the match so far went to Aarau. Giorgev made a strong run down the right side and cleverly laid the ball back for the onrushing Obexer, who, however, shot over the target from a promising position.
The game’s turning point came in the 70th minute when Luzern’s Donat Rrudhani was sent off after receiving his second yellow card. With one player less on the field, FCL was forced to adjust defensively, and coach Mario Frick brought in Ottiger for Klidje to add an extra defender for more defensive stability. The home team sensed their chance and intensified the pressure. Finally, in the 82nd minute, the decisive goal of the match was scored. Again, Gjorgev made his way through and accurately crossed the ball into the penalty area, where Toure was unmarked and able to head in the goal, giving the hosts a 1:0 lead.
Luzern fought against the impending elimination and had two equalizing chances in stoppage time. First, Stankovic missed with a header in the 93rd minute, and then in the very last play of the match, in the 96th minute, there was a real scramble in the Aarau penalty area. Somehow, the ball ultimately did not find its way into the goal. Thus, the bitter Cup exit for FC Luzern was confirmed.
Match Summary FC Aarau – FC Luzern 1:0 (0:0)
Brügglifeld. – 8450 spectators (sold out). – Referee: San.
Goal: 82. Toure (Gjorgjev) 1:0.
Aarau: Hübel; Dickenmann, Müller, Acquah, Obexer; Koide (91. Jakob), Jäckle, Aliu (91. Thaler), Gjorgjev (91. Odutayo); Avdyli (59. Fazliu); Toure (85. Ernest).
Luzern: Loretz; Dorn, Löfgren, Knezevic, Ciganiks; Owusu (67. Stankovic); Rrudhani, Beloko; Kadak (67. Spadanuda); Villiger (67. Grbic), Klidjé (71. Ottiger).
Notes: Aarau without Candé, Janko, and Bobadilla (all injured), Kessler (sick). Luzern without Beka, Chader, and Karweina (all injured), Jaquez (sick). – Yellow-red card: 70. Rrudhani (foul during a shot attempt). 96. Obexer (foul). Warnings: 18. Rrudhani, 54. Avdyli, 60. Obexer, 75. Jäckle (all fouls), 90. Hübel (time-wasting).