Published13. December 2024, 22:40
FootballXamax turned, Nyon continues, SLO does well in Carouge
On the last day of the year in the Challenge Series, Xamax lost against Aarau (1-3), Nyon confirmed its recovery in Schaffhausen (0-1) and Stade Lausanne Ouchy frustrated the leader Thun (1-1).
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Brick Cheneval
After quickly opening the scoring, Aarau took down Xamax in the opening game of the Challenge Series.
Urs Lindt/Freshfocus
The french clubs Challenge League went through all the emotions this Friday evening. For the 18th day, synonymous with the end of the first round, Xamax lost at home against Aarau (1-3), Stade Lausanne Ouchy stood the leader Thun in check (1-1) and Nyon lost its imposition on Schaffhausen (0-1) . ).
After a promising start to the season, the Rouge et Noir has been in free fall for two and a half months. after being beaten by La maladière, they conceded their seventh win in ten games.A sad dynamic that leaves them in 6th place, while they are still joint leaders at the end of September.
Jesse Hautier had put them in an ideal position opening the scoring after just two minutes. But, with defensive wandering, they opened doors and Aarau rushed to equalize (Valon Fazliu, 33rd). Uli Forte’s troops brought in two more in the second period, ahead of David Acquah (69th) and Nikola Gjorgjev (79th). Meanwhile, they were outnumbered when Henri Koide was sent off (74th). A situation they will not have time to take advantage of.
Carouge can join Thun in command
At the same time, Nyon confirmed its recovery in Schaffhausen thanks to a goal from Elias Pasche (30th). Already the winners of Xamax last week (2-1), the Vaudois expel themselves from the last place they occupied from the 9th day. They find themselves in 8th place, ahead of Stade Lausanne Ouchy and Schaffhausen who have one game less.
Furthermore,the SLO did not come close to bringing down the leader of Pontius. Against the run of play, the Stadistes scored on their first shot of the game, a cut header from Elies Mahmoud (23rd). They kept the three points until the 87th and Hélios Sessolo signed the equalizer (87th).
Ahead with 33 points, Carouge could join Thun if the Genevans win in Vaduz on Saturday (6 pm).
What tactical adjustments have teams made in the Challenge Series recently?
Interview between the Time.news editor and Football Expert Brick Cheneval
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Brick Cheneval! It’s great to have you with us today to discuss the latest developments in the Challenge Series. Let’s dive right in. On the last day of the year, we saw Xamax lose to Aarau, Nyon’s resurgence against Schaffhausen, and Stade Lausanne Ouchy’s notable draw against Thun. What are your thoughts on these performances?
Brick Cheneval: Thank you for having me! It was definitely an eventful conclusion to the year. Xamax’s loss to Aarau was particularly striking; they’ve struggled lately, and this match really highlighted those issues. Aarau took control early and demonstrated their attacking prowess, which ultimately proved too much for Xamax.
Editor: Yes, it seems Aarau has found their rythm. What changes do you think have contributed to their success in this match and throughout this series?
Cheneval: Aarau’s recent performances have been underpinned by a solid game plan and effective player execution. They’ve been pressing high,making it difficult for opponents to settle into their rhythm. Moreover, their attacking players have been clinical in front of goal, as we saw during the match against Xamax.
editor: On the flip side, Nyon’s victory against Schaffhausen points to a turnaround for them. What do you attribute to Nyon’s resurgence?
cheneval: Absolutely, nyon’s win signifies a newfound confidence. They have made tactical adjustments that seem to be working, especially defensively. Against Schaffhausen, they maintained their shape and capitalized on the few chances they created. It’s a testament to their hard work on the training ground and an evolving team spirit.
Editor: Stade Lausanne Ouchy’s draw against the league leaders, Thun, could also be viewed as a moral victory. Do you agree?
Cheneval: I wholly agree. Holding Thun to a draw is no small feat, especially considering their position at the top of the table.Ouchy’s ability to frustrate Thun’s attack demonstrates that they can compete with the best. it shows resilience and tactical discipline, which could be crucial as they continue into the second half of the season.
Editor: It seems like there’s a shift happening in the league. Which teams do you think will ride this wave of momentum into the new year?
cheneval: Momentum is key in football. aarau and Nyon are certainly in positions to build on their recent performances. If they can maintain this level of play and avoid injuries, they could push for a playoff spot. However, Xamax needs to quickly regroup. Otherwise, they might find themselves in a challenging position as the season progresses.
Editor: Lastly, what do you see as the main challenges for teams heading into the new year?
Cheneval: The winter break can be a double-edged sword. While it provides time for recovery and tactical reassessment, it can also disrupt momentum. Teams must find a balance between rest and maintaining fitness levels. Additionally, the mental aspect cannot be overlooked; teams like Xamax need to regain confidence, while others need to avoid complacency.
Editor: Thank you, Brick, for those insights! It’s always enlightening to hear your analysis.As we move into the new year, we look forward to seeing how these narratives unfold in the Challenge Series.
Cheneval: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how the season progresses as well.