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With the victory in Zurich, YB takes another big step towards their second championship title in a row. This could happen next weekend.
Legend: Ever practice with the wrong “bucket” The YB players celebrate after the win against FCZ. Freshfocus/Claudio Thoma
It was anything but a feast for the eyes what last season’s double winner delivered on Sunday afternoon in Letzigrund. With one big and one small exception. The former is due to Silvère Ganvoula, who scored wonderfully with an overhead kick shortly before the break and rewarded YB handsomely for a half-time that was anything but good.
The second was the action of Cedric Itten, who, just nine minutes after the break or his substitution, shook off his opponent Rodrigo Conceiçao like an annoying fly after a great pass from Joël Monteiro and scored to make it 2-0 for the guests.
Strike at the right moment
The Young Boys showed why they have been champions five times in the last six years. They usually win games that they don’t necessarily have to win due to the chances and proportions of the game, strike at the right moment and know how to keep a lead over time.
The fact that the opponents – like Zurich on Sunday through an unnecessary sending off – sometimes take themselves out of the game: a gift. In the end, it is also a question of quality to behave cleverly in crucial situations.
YB can become “sofa champion” at the weekend
The victory in Zurich after two previous defeats at FCZ came at the right time for Joël Magnin’s team. Since the first pursuer Lugano made a mistake on Saturday and lost their home game against St. Gallen, YB’s lead over the new runner-up Servette is eight points. There are still four rounds left. The question seems not to be if, but when the Bernese will win the championship.
This is possible as early as next weekend. If the Young Boys win against Lugano on Saturday, they could become champions on Sunday. This if Servette loses points in St. Gallen. Should Geneva be victorious in their guest appearance in eastern Switzerland, YB would have their next opportunity for the title just three days later without being on the pitch themselves. Namely if Servette doesn’t win in Zurich.
Two wins for the 17th championship title
Cedric Itten showed in an interview after the game that he doesn’t think much of such calculation games: “If we win the next two games, we will be champions. That is certainly the goal.”
The national striker was not only accurate on the pitch, but also in the analysis: YB can actually win the championship title on their own until May 16th at the earliest. If the Bernese win against Lugano and then also against St. Gallen, the title can no longer be taken away from them.
It would certainly be the dream scenario of all Bernese players and fans to celebrate their 17th championship title in Wankdorf. The only question is whether the competition, which has not been too constant this season, will play along.