YB won 2-0 at FC Zurich at the start of the Championship Group. The goals were scored by Silvere Ganvoula with a great overhead kick and Cedric Itten – the 1-0 came just before the break and the 2-0 shortly after the break.
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In Letzigrund, YB starts the season finale against FC Zurich, which includes five games. “We have everything in our own hands,” says goalie David von Ballmoos in advance, “we are preparing for a defiant, strong opponent. But we want to get the next three points.” The goal is clear: the championship title should be defended.
The Bernese, who had to play away against FCZ twice this season and lost twice (1:3 and 0:1), definitely want to avoid a start like the last guest game at the beginning of March, when the decisive goal came after just eleven seconds . They start the game with a lot of possession, but it turns into an encounter that is characterized by caution on both sides and solid defensive work, as well as many duels and interruptions after fouls. As a result, there are no scenes in the two penalty areas for a long time.
Until the 42nd minute arrives – and the audience sees an action that is worth the entrance fee alone. Silvere Ganvoula takes center stage – and how! With a spectacular overhead kick, he puts the guests in the lead. YB demonstrates efficiency: with the first shot on goal, the score is 1-0 shortly before the end of the first half.
During the break, YB interim coach Joël Magnin made a change in the offensive: Cedric Itten replaced Ganvoula, who was shown a yellow card after celebrating his goal and will be suspended for the next game. And as soon as the game starts again, FC Zurich has to make do with one less man. Cheikh Condé is first booked in the 48th minute for a foul on Lauper. The midfielder then applauds, whereupon referee Luca Cibelli shows him the second yellow card.
Four minutes later, YB had the opportunity to make it 2-0. Meschack Elia escapes the defense and only has Yanick Brecher in front of him. The FCZ goalie wins the duel with the Congolese. Shortly afterwards, however, the time had come: Joël Monteiro launched Itten with a wide and precise pass, the substitute striker kept his calm and duped Brecher.
YB is now on the offensive much more often and is even getting closer to a third goal. It was Monteiro who finished in the 57th minute. Brecher parries the shot. And he also prevented Joel Mvuka from conceding a third goal. It remains the same with an ultimately safe 2-0 victory.
With four rounds to go, YB leads the table by eight points. The first pursuer is Servette – the Geneva team overtook FC Lugano (0-1 against St. Gallen) with a 2-1 win against Winterthur.
YB continues next Saturday with the home game against FC Lugano (May 11, 2024, 8:30 p.m.).
Ganvoula’s wonderful overhead kick in Letzigrund. (Photo: freshfocus)
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