Swiss League Day 1: Zurich defeats Neuchatel, Vaduz wins in Luzern

Neuchatel Xamax – FC Zurich 1-2

In yesterday’s game FC Zurich narrowly defeated hosts Neuchatel Xamax in a very tight game. The first half was dominated by the guest team with several chances that were brilliantly stopped by young Xamax keeper Faivre. Yet Zurich took the lead through a deflected Hassli shot at the 34th minute. The first half ended 1-0.
Neuchatel Xamax came on the pitch with a different attitude and created several early chances and managed to draw at 48th minute through Besle, with some help from the Zurich defence that left 3 Xamax players in front of the keeper on the free kick.
Yet Neuchatel had no time to celebrate since less than a minute later Abdi found himself in front of Faivre and did not miss. Neuchatel squandered a series of chances, most of them parried by an excellent Leoni.
New Nati coach Hitzfeld with assitant Michel Pont were on the stands. My dear Ottmar, have you seen the quality of keeper Leoni? How about calling him for a game or two?

Neuchatel Xamax – FC Zurich 1-2 (0-1)
Maladière, 5328 spectators. Referee: Circhetta
34th Hassli 0-1, 48th Besle 1-1, 49th Abdi 1-2
Neuchatel Xamax: G.Faivre; Bah, Hodzic, Besle, Edjenguele (83′Steuble); Chihab; Taljevic; Rossi, Tosi (46′Niçoise), Szlykowicz; Joao Paulo (46′Brown)
FC Zurich: Leoni; Stahel, Barmettler, Tihinen (66′Lampi), Rochat (56′Stucki); Aegerter, Tico; Nikci, Abdi, Djuric (80′Mehmedi); Hassli

A surprise win for Vaduz

Newly promoted Liechtenstein side FC Vaduz surprisingly defeated Luzern in the latter’s home field. Heinz Hermann’s men managed to recover from the unlucky UEFA Cup first round defeat to Zrinjski Mostar. Gaspar opened the score at the 7th minute, only for Ravasi to draw at the 27th minute before Vaduz grabbed the winner through Fejzulahi two minutes later.

Luzern – Vaduz 1:2 (1:2)
Allmend. – 7822 Spectators – Referee: Rogalla.
7th Gaspar 0:1. 27th Ravasi 1:1. 29th Fejzulahi 1:2.
Luzern: Zibung; Zverotic (85. Paquito), Roland Schwegler, Diarra (59. Wiss), Claudio Lustenberger; Renggli, Seoane; Ferreira, Chiumiento, Mesbah (64. Schirinzi); Ravasi.
Vaduz: Sommer; Reinmann, Iten, Dzombic, Cerrone; Polverino; Bellon (61. Grossklaus), Mea Vitali, Fejzulahi, Fischer (91. Ritzberger); Gaspar

Grasshopper will play against Bellinzona on Wednesday the 23rd.