FC Zurich lose again in the 30th round of the Super League and for the third time in a row after conceding a late goal. Kreshnik Hajrizi scored in the 85th minute at the Letzigrund to make it 2:1 for Sion.
When substitute Juan José Perea took advantage of a mistake by Sion keeper Anthony Racioppi to equalize after 70 minutes, it seemed as if FC Zurich could end its black streak of conceding late goals on Saturday and at least pick up a point after three defeats. No goals were scored for 68 minutes, then three within 17 minutes, the decisive second for Sion by Kreshnik Hajrizi in the 85th minute. While Sion can hardly be denied qualification for the championship round, FCZ can no longer mathematically reach the championship round.
Zurich’s black streak of conceding late goals continued once again. Coach Dennis Hediger’s team also lost points against Servette (1:2 in the 82nd minute) and Lausanne-Sport (1:2 in the 92nd minute) in the closing stages. Since February, they have also conceded late goals twice against YB, twice against Basel and once against Grasshoppers.
This is another reason why FCZ’s eight remaining games are all about fighting relegation. Because the Grasshoppers had no chance in Thun (1:5), the margin to their similarly inferior city rivals in the barrage place is still seven points. Juan José Perea’s first goal in more than a year in his fourth partial appearance after tearing his Achilles tendon and recovering from a calf injury was little consolation.
Comments on the game
Zurich – Sion 1:2 (0:0)
11’874 spectators. – SR Dudic. – Goals: 68. Kololli (penalty) 0:1. 70. Perea 1:1. 85. Hajrizi (Surdez) 1:2.
Zurich: Huber; Comenencia (63. Kablan), Vujevic, Hack, Walker (80. Sauter); Palacio (63. Di Giusto), Berisha; Ivan Cavaleiro (80. Reverson), Tsawa, Phaëton (68. Perea); Kény.
Sion: Racioppi; Lavanchy, Hajrizi, Dubosson, Hefti; Chouaref (89. Berdayes), Kabacalman (89. Sow), Baltazar Costa, Kololli (73. Lukembila); Nivokazi (84. Surdez), Boteli (73. Chipperfield).
Remarks: Cautions: 48th Berisha, 50th Tsawa, 52nd Kény, 61st Phaëton, 67th Hack, 92nd Sow.
The live ticker for review
90.+2.
Yellow card FC Sion
89.
Substitution in FC Sion
89.
Substitution out FC Sion
Ali Kabacalman
Midfielder
88.
Substitution in FC Sion
88.
Substitution out FC Sion
Ilyas Chouaref
Midfielder
85.
Goal for FC Sion, 1:2 through Kreshnik Hajrizi (Franck Surdez)
Kreshnik Hajrizi
Defender
Assist: Franck Surdez
Striker
84.
Substitution in FC Sion
84.
Substitution out FC Sion
80.
Substitution in FC Zurich
Damienus Reverson
Striker
80.
Substitution out FC Zurich
Ivan Cavaleiro
Midfielder
79.
Substitution in FC Zurich
79.
Substitution out FC Zurich
Sebastian Walker
Midfielder
74.
Substitution in FC Sion
74.
Substitution out FC Sion
Winsley Boteli
Midfielder
74.
Substitution in FC Sion
Liam Chipperfield
Midfielder
74.
Substitution out FC Sion
Benjamin Kololli
Midfielder
70.
Goal for FC Zurich, 1:1 through Juan José Perea
69.
Substitution in FC Zurich
69.
Substitution out FC Zurich
Matthias Phaëton
Striker
68.
Goal for FC Sion, 0:1 through penalties from Benjamin Kololli
Benjamin Kololli
Midfielder
67.
Yellow card FC Zurich
63.
Substitution in FC Zurich
Nevio Di Giusto
Midfielder
63.
Substitution out FC Zurich
Nelson Palacio
Midfielder
63.
Substitution in FC Zurich
63.
Substitution out FC Zurich
Livano Comenencia
Defender
61.
Yellow card FC Zurich
52.
Yellow card FC Zurich
50.
Yellow card FC Zurich
48.
Yellow card FC Zurich