In a sensational turn of events, FC Biel has made history by defeating the Young Boys (YB) 1-0 in the Swiss Cup semi-final held on April 26, 2025, at the Tissot-Arena in Biel. This victory marks a historic moment for Biel, as they become the first third-tier team to reach the Cup final.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the atmosphere electric as 6,000 fans filled the stadium, a record attendance achieved by adding 800 extra seats. The excitement was palpable, as the local supporters rallied behind their team, hoping for a miracle against the reigning champions.
Biel's path to victory was not without its challenges. The game was tightly contested, with YB dominating possession but struggling to convert their chances into goals. In a critical moment before halftime, YB thought they had taken the lead when Alan Virginius scored, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review confirmed he was offside.
As the second half progressed, the tension mounted. In the 76th minute, a dramatic incident unfolded when Biel's Abdoulaye Coulibaly was brought down by YB's Kastriot Imeri, who received a red card for the foul. Initially awarded a penalty, the decision was overturned by VAR, which ruled the foul occurred just outside the box. However, the red card stood, leaving YB to finish the match with ten men.
Despite their numerical advantage, Biel could not find the back of the net during regulation time, and the match headed into extra time. It was in the 99th minute that the breakthrough came. A controversial penalty was awarded to Biel after a perceived foul by YB goalkeeper David von Ballmoos on Loïc Socka Bongué. Marko Sartoretti stepped up to take the penalty and confidently slotted it home, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
As the match neared its conclusion, YB desperately sought an equalizer. They came close in the dying minutes when they hit the crossbar, and in the final moments, they thought they had scored again, but the goal was disallowed for a handball after another VAR review.
This defeat is a significant upset for YB, who were heavily favored to win. Coach Gerardo Seoane expressed disappointment, acknowledging the quality of Biel's performance and the challenges they posed throughout the match. "We had our chances, but we couldn't capitalize on them. Biel played with great determination and deserved the win today," Seoane remarked.
For Biel, this victory is a monumental achievement, especially considering the club's tumultuous past. Founded over a century ago, FC Biel faced bankruptcy in 2016, which forced them to start anew in the regional leagues. Under the leadership of president Dietmar Faes and coach Samir Chaibeddra, the club has rebuilt itself and is now poised to compete at the highest levels of Swiss football.
Faes shared his joy after the match, stating, "This is incredible for our city and region. We are fighters, and today we showed what we are capable of. Our fans have been amazing, and this victory is for them." The triumph also serves as an inspiration for the players, many of whom have been part of the club's resurgence.
Ramon Egli, a former Biel player who scored a memorable goal against FC Basel in the 2011 Cup quarter-finals, reflected on the significance of this victory. "Biel has always been a team that fights against the odds. This win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the club. I couldn't be prouder of them," he said.
The final, set to take place on June 1, 2025, will see FC Biel face either FC Basel or Lausanne-Sport, who will determine the other finalist in their match scheduled for April 27, 2025.
As the dust settles on this thrilling semi-final, one thing is clear: FC Biel has written a new chapter in their storied history, and their fairy tale continues. With the support of their passionate fans and a newfound belief in their abilities, they are ready to take on the challenge of the final and aim for a historic Cup victory.
The excitement surrounding the final is already building, and many are eager to see if Biel can complete their remarkable journey with a trophy. For now, they bask in the glory of their monumental achievement, a true testament to the magic of the Swiss Cup.
