FC Basel staged a dramatic comeback against lower-tier Etoile Carouge to secure their place in the Swiss Cup semi-finals, showcasing resilience on the pitch as they scored three late goals to win 3-1. Meanwhile, FC Lugano faced disappointment as they were eliminated by Promotion League club Biel, which pulled off a stunning upset.
The match between FC Basel and Etoile Carouge proved to be closely contended. Carouge drew first blood, taking the lead with Oscar Correia's stunning flick in the 55th minute. Basel, struggling to find their rhythm, found themselves on the back foot until the final moments of the match.
It was not until the 84th minute when Gabriel Sigua equalized, followed by Kevin Carlos scoring twice within two minutes to complete the comeback, sending Basel through to round four of the competition.
“It wasn't on the cards for us,” admitted Kevin Carlos. “We had to dig deep, but I'm proud of the team for sticking together and coming out on top.” According to the match report by RTS, Basel's tactical adjustments and relentless pressure proved decisive during the closing stages.
Meanwhile, Lugano's cup campaign came to an abrupt halt as Biel capitalized on the opportunity to shine on the big stage. Two goals from Omer Dzonlagic and Malko Sartoretti, compounded by Renato Steffen's red card late on, resulted in Biel's remarkable 2-0 victory. This win marked Biel's first progression to the Cup semi-finals since 2011.
For Lugano, the defeat was particularly stinging, following their recent losses to YB and now Biel. Coach Croci-Torti expressed disappointment but emphasized the importance of quickly regrouping as they face five more matches before the international break, including UEFA Conference League fixtures.
“It’s been tough lately, but we need to focus on what’s next,” said Croci-Torti, as his squad aims for redemption on the league front.
On the ice, the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation confirmed the lack of promotion for EHC Arosa from the MyHockey League to the Swiss League for the upcoming season. Despite being the only club to meet the required licensing criteria, including aspects of profitability and safe infrastructure, Arosa’s financial concerns prompted them to request an extension, which was not granted.
The decision will significantly affect the upcoming season's promotions and relegations, leaving many clubs scrambling for planning security. Arosa's request for additional time was only approved up to midnight on February 24, coinciding with the start of the playoff quarterfinals, which is too close for proper financial reassessment.
Highlighting EHC Arosa's recent playoff setup, they faced Thun on Tuesday and emerged victorious, but the uncertainty over their league status casts doubt on their future. “It’s disappointing, but we will focus on what we can control,” said Arosa's management.
This juxtaposition of emotions — jubilation for Basel and Biel, and disappointment for Lugano and Arosa — highlights the unpredictable nature of Swiss football and hockey, providing fans with both thrilling victories and shocking exits.