In a stunning turn of events at the Tissot Arena on April 26, 2025, FC Biel made history by defeating the Young Boys (YB) 1-0 in the semi-finals of the Swiss Cup. This remarkable victory marks the first time in a century that a team from the third tier of Swiss football has reached the cup final, sending shockwaves through the football community.
The match drew a record crowd of 6,000 spectators, who witnessed a tense battle where every moment was filled with drama and tension. The pivotal moment came in the 99th minute when Biel was awarded a controversial penalty after YB goalkeeper David von Ballmoos made contact with Biel's striker Abdoulaye Coulibaly. Despite some claiming the contact was minimal and questioning the legitimacy of the penalty, Malko Sartoretti stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past von Ballmoos to give Biel the lead.
"Unfassbar - ich habe keine Worte. Ich sagte vor dem Spiel, wir bräuchten ein perfektes Spiel. Wir hatten das Glück des Tüchtigen und unglaublichen Zusammenhalt," Sartoretti expressed after the match, encapsulating the emotions of his team and fans alike.
The tension escalated further when YB's Kastriot Imeri received a red card in the 77th minute for a last-man foul on Coulibaly, a decision that was reversed after a VAR review. Initially awarded a penalty, the referee Alessandro Dudic changed his mind, ruling that the foul occurred just outside the box. This decision left YB to fight with ten men for the remainder of the match.
As the match progressed into extra time, YB desperately sought an equalizer. They came close when Lukasz Lakomy struck the crossbar, but their efforts were ultimately in vain. The final nail in the coffin came in the 125th minute when Chris Bedia scored what seemed to be a last-gasp equalizer, only for the goal to be disallowed after VAR intervention confirmed a handball in the buildup.
"Es ist unbeschreiblich. Absolut phänomenal. Es ist wunderschön, der Stadt so etwas zu geben," said Biel's goalkeeper Raphael Radtke, who made several crucial saves throughout the match, securing his team's historic win.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with both sets of fans creating a vibrant spectacle. Biel's supporters showcased impressive choreographies, while YB fans brought pyrotechnics to the occasion, although tensions flared briefly during Biel's goal celebration.
In the aftermath of the match, emotions ran high among the YB players and fans. Giorgio Contini, YB's coach, reflected on the disappointing defeat, stating, "Wir wollten uns eigentlich heute für eine mässige Saison rehabilitieren. Es ist doch selbstverständlich, dass Herzblut da ist und nun auch grosser Frust." His disappointment was palpable as he acknowledged the need for improvement in his squad.
Dietmar Faes, another key figure for YB, expressed his pride in Biel's performance, stating, "Der Sieg ist verdient, auch wenn sicherlich auch viel Glück dabei war. Vor eineinhalb Monaten habe ich Formulare für den Europacup erhalten. Jetzt sind wir im Final." His comments highlighted the respect for Biel's achievement while lamenting YB's missed opportunities.
As the dust settles on this monumental match, FC Biel now looks forward to the cup final on June 1, where they will face either FC Basel or Lausanne-Sport, who will decide their fate in the second semi-final on April 27.
For FC Biel, this victory is not just a win; it’s a historic milestone that will be remembered for generations to come. Their journey from the third tier to the cup final is a testament to their determination and skill, proving that anything is possible in football.
As the players and fans celebrate this incredible achievement, the football world watches closely, eager to see what the future holds for this underdog team that has captured the hearts of many.
With the stakes higher than ever, the final promises to be a thrilling encounter, and one can only wonder if Biel can continue their fairytale run in Swiss football.
