Challenge League: Thun beat Sion in the blockbuster promotion play-off and move within four points of Valais

FC Thun wins the first Challenge League battle against Sion 1-0, thus maintaining its chances of direct promotion.

It was a moment that stunned spectators in the chilly Stockhorn Arena in Thun. It was exactly half an hour into the match between FC Thun and FC Sion when Daniel dos Santos was caught in the penalty area by Vasilije Jangesic. Through two physical feints, the 21-year-old attacking player, who has forced his way into the first team from Thun's youth team, let his opponent out and then slotted the ball past Sion keeper Timothy Fayulu into the net.

That should not only be a testament to Dos Santos' skills, but also demonstrates why the Portuguese was named Challenger League Player of the Year in January. But it should also be the decisive scene in this great battle.

The people of Sion have always had dangerous jobs. Above all, former Thon player Dejan Surjic made several appearances against Thon goalkeeper Mateo Matic, but the 28-year-old did not allow himself to be defeated.

If only direct duels had been decisive for promotion to the top flight, the Bernese Oberlands would have long since secured their return to the Swiss top flight. The 1-0 win over Sion is not only the third win over Valais this season after two away victories, but also the thirteenth win in the sixteenth match at home. No team is stronger at home than Thun, while Sion were forced to leave the field as losers for the first time on foreign soil.

With a reserve game, Thon's deficit is now four points. In order to avoid this barrage, Mauro Lustrinelli's team is counting on another stumble in Valais' remaining four matches.

90.+5.
Yellow card for Thon Club
90.+4.
Yellow card for Thon Club
90.+1.
Yellow card for Thon Club
90.+1.
Replacements FC Thun
90.+1.
Replacements FC Thun
Leonardo Bertone
Midfielder
82.
First substitution for Sion
Liam Chipperfield
Midfielder
82.
First substitution for Sion
Georgi Rousseff
Midfielder
82.
First substitution for Sion
Elias Shawarf
Midfielder
82.
First substitution for Sion
Balthazar
Midfielder
77.
Replacements FC Thun
Miguel Castroman
Midfielder
77.
Replacements FC Thun
Daniel Dos Santos
Midfielder
77.
Replacements FC Thun
Uros Vasic
Midfielder
77.
Replacements FC Thun
Dominic Franke
Defender
65.
Replacements FC Thun
Justin Roth
Midfielder
65.
Replacements FC Thun
Valmir Matoshi
Midfielder
65.
Replacements FC Thun
Mark Gotpop
Midfielder
65.
Replacements FC Thun

63.
First substitution for Sion

Christian Souza
Midfielder
63.
First substitution for Sion
Theo Birdies
Midfielder
30.
Great for FC Thon, 1-0 by Daniel Dos Santos
Daniel Dos Santos
Midfielder
21.
First substitution for Sion
Ali Kabakelman
Midfielder
21.
First substitution for Sion
Kevin Bua
Midfielder