Arena St. Gallen has always been known for its good atmosphere. On Saturday evening in the duel against FC Sion she was better than usual. The whole stadium was bathed in the colors of the club, every fan got a green or white cap. Espen’s fans used leaflets to let the audience know at what moment which chore and song would be performed.
For a long time, the game on the field could not keep up with the mood in the stands. It was clear that both teams were not blessed with much confidence at the moment. With this 1:1 in the second duel just within 6 days (the first comparison was 2:2 in Sion), St. Gallen is now without a win in 6 league games (0/4/2), even the Valaisians have . 9 games were very successful (0/5/4).
Akolo turns the stadium into a mad house
It took until the 54th minute before the first goal was scored. It was the home team who delighted the 17,160 fans. After a fluid combination, Captain Lukas Görtler found Chadrac Akolo in the middle, who only had to keep his foot from point-blank range. However, the striker needed a bit of luck as he hit the ball badly. As a result of the opening goal the stadium turned into a madhouse.
Only Akolo could be called the goalscorer, as the 29-year-old Congolese was the only attacker St Gallen had in the first half. But Akolo was unlucky with his two shots on goal (20th/37th) and his header (32nd).
Stevanovic lucky with the lightning handball
Sion were not impressed by the deficit and found their way into the game better. In the 68th minute, FCSG coach Enrico Maassen made a triple substitution. Among other things, he brought Mihailo Stevanovic. Only 16 seconds had been played after the restart when Stevanovic handballed in the penalty area. Ali Kabacalman converted the penalty to make it 1-1 (69th). As a result, Sion had a bit more of the game, but the visitors were unable to get any further success until the final whistle.
Before the break, Dejan Djokic had Sion’s only significant chance. But his finish was tough: the FCSG goalkeeper needed all of his 188 centimeter height to steer the ball around the post with his fingertips.
This is how it continues
St. Gallen, who are sixth in the table, will play Northern Ireland representative Lorne next Thursday as part of the Conference Series. 3 days later we are playing against GC in Letzigrund. Sion, ninth in the table, welcome FC Luzern on the same day.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert
Editor: Good afternoon, everyone! Today, we’re diving into an exhilarating match that took place at Arena St. Gallen, where the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. Joining me is renowned football analyst, Dr. Clara Weiss, to discuss the highs and lows of the game. Clara, welcome!
Dr. Weiss: Thank you! I’m excited to be here, especially to talk about such an eventful match.
Editor: The atmosphere you encountered at Arena St. Gallen was quite extraordinary, wasn’t it? Tell us more about how the fans contributed to that electric ambiance.
Dr. Weiss: Absolutely! The fans truly transformed the stadium into a sea of green and white. Each supporter received a cap, and there were even choreographed leaflets that guided the audience on when to cheer and sing. This kind of organized fan engagement not only boosts the morale of the home team but also creates a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Editor: You described the fans’ excitement, but it seemed the game on the field struggled to match that energy initially. What were your thoughts on the teams’ performances?
Dr. Weiss: It’s true; the first half was lackluster, reflective of both teams’ recent struggles. St. Gallen came into the match without a win in six league games, and FC Sion wasn’t faring much better with a long winless streak. This lack of confidence was palpable on the pitch. Both teams seemed hesitant, which made for a somewhat dull first half.
Editor: Then, the match took a turn in the second half with a goal from Chadrac Akolo. What did that moment mean for the broader dynamics of the game?
Dr. Weiss: Akolo’s goal was a turning point that ignited the stadium. It was a product of a well-worked team move, and despite the slightly fortunate execution, the eruption of joy from the fans was monumental. This moment transformed the atmosphere, turning the stadium into a “mad house” as you put it. Goals like this can shift momentum, instilling confidence in the home side, while simultaneously demoralizing the opposition.
Editor: Following the goal, the game ended in a 1:1 draw. How do you assess this result for both teams, considering their recent forms?
Dr. Weiss: Neither team will be satisfied with just one point, especially given their goal-scoring struggles. St. Gallen remains without a win in six matches, which continues to place pressure on their squad and coaching staff. For FC Sion, maintaining momentum was critical, but this result means they haven’t secured a win in nine games. Both teams need to analyze their performance closely; otherwise, they risk falling further behind in the league.
Editor: Great insights, Clara! As we conclude, what key lessons do you think both teams will take from this match moving forward?
Dr. Weiss: For St. Gallen, they need to harness the energy and support of their fans but also find ways to translate that into consistent performances on the pitch. As for FC Sion, focus on defensive stability and capitalizing on goal-scoring opportunities is essential. Both teams need a psychological boost; perhaps a win in the next match will change the narrative for them.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Weiss, for your analysis and insights today. The atmosphere in stadiums like Arena St. Gallen can play a pivotal role, and it’s fascinating to see how the fans’ passion intertwines with the teams’ performances.
Dr. Weiss: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss football, especially when it comes to the vibrant culture that surrounds it.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for joining us. Until next time, keep the passion for football alive!