After the 1:2 defeat in St. Gallen during the week, a reaction was needed from YB against GC. At least in terms of results, it was a success: a 1-0 win in Letzigrund allowed Bern to begin their journey to Belgrade, where their second Champions League group stage match against Red Star is scheduled to take place on Wednesday.
Coach Rafael Vicki changed his team in 7 positions during the match during the week. One of them concerns the attacking position, where Cedric Itten has been preferred over Jean-Pierre Nsami.
Best hour in Iten
By the 17th minute at the latest, it was clear that the action had taken place immediately. Itten put his colors in front from the edge of the penalty area after a cross with the heel directly from the air. As beautiful as the goal was, the misconduct of the GC defense in this situation was also blatant. Christers Toppers, who replaced the suspended Amir El Ibrashi as leader, gave Iten complete freedom.
Giotto Morandi had a great chance to equalize immediately afterwards, but Anthony Racioppi hit the post.
Elias 2-0 does not count
As a result, the visitors of Bern were able to count on not harming the Zurich team in front of goal. GC maintained their good form and played well at times, but in the last few meters they lacked any great ideas. Racioppi was not seriously tested again until stoppage time. The goalkeeper directed substitute Dion Kakori’s header over the crossbar.
A very conservative performance was enough for YB to win and, at least for now, take the lead in the table. In the second half, the champions reacted surprisingly. In the 68th minute we were able to turn the score into 2-0. Meschack Elias’s header into the net after a shot from Joël Monteiro was revealed as an offside goal by VAR.
And this is how it continues
YB will have to improve significantly on Wednesday in Belgrade. There will be no respite after that: Basel will be waiting for the championship this weekend. For GC, who are without a win in the Premier League since August 6 and a 3-1 win over Bayern, the visitors’ match against Yverdon is on the agenda next Saturday.
“Internet nerd. Avid student. Zombie guru. Tv enthusiast. Coffee advocate. Social media expert. Music geek. Professional food maven. Thinker. Troublemaker.”
More Stories
The channel cuts off sports broadcasts because of Kate – fans are angry
Third round of the NHL Round of 16 – Jozy, Fiala, Niederreiter in reserve – Sports
Party in the middle third – Richard shorthanded as a basis: 5-1 win over Latvia – Sports