FC Thun continued their dominance at the top of the Challenge League with a hard-fought 3-2 victory against FC Wil 1900 at the Lidl Arena on February 23, 2025. This marked the first time the Wiler could not secure points against Thun this season, and the match reflected both teams' determination and tactical play.
The game witnessed several thrilling moments; Thun wasted no time to assert themselves, with Christopher Ibayi proving instrumental. Having been involved heavily throughout the first half, Ibayi's persistence paid off after he won himself a controversial penalty. His spot-kick conversion just before half-time gave Thun the lead, as they went to the locker room with a 1-0 advantage. The penalty decision sparked discussions, with some questioning whether the foul by David Jacovic was legitimate, as many believed he got the ball and not the player.
Against the backdrop of this incident, Ibayi was also close to scoring earlier, hitting the crossbar twice. His contributions signified his importance following his recent transfer to Thun.
After the break, the visitors showcased their offensive strength once again. Just before the hour mark, former Wil player Genis Montolio doubled Thun's lead with a well-placed header from a free-kick, sending Thun fans wild. The game seemed to be slipping away from Wil as they struggled to create clear-cut chances and often came up short against Thun’s organized defense.
Nonetheless, FC Wil made their presence known when Nico Maier struck back with a fine effort, executing a precise shot from inside the box to bring the score to 2-1. This sparked hopes for the home side, who had been chasing the game.
Despite the setback, Thun quickly regained their footing. Just minutes after Wils' goal, Fabio Fehr made it 3-1 with a stunning strike from inside the area, deflaining the hosts' spirits yet again. Although the Wiler pushed forward, they could convert only on one of their limited opportunities.
Late drama unfolded when Simon Geiger headed the ball home after finding himself completely free, scoring Wil's second goal deep in injury time. This late surge created nervous moments for Thun as they fought to secure their lead. The final whistle from referee Luca Piccolo confirmed Thun's win, solidifying their grip on the top of the table.
Throughout the match, Wil had opportunities; they registered 16 shots, but only emerged with two goals. Their inability to capitalize on chances is reflected by their current mid-table standing, contrasting with Thun’s prowess.
Following the match, discussions arose about the performance of both teams. "Thun showed clarity and determination, deservedly taking three points from this match," commented soccer analysts. Meanwhile, Wil's coach Marco Hämmerli noted, "We need to work on our consistency and focus right until the end. The last-minute goal we conceded is something we have to learn from."
With this match wrapped up, attention will now shift to FC Thun, who will look to maintain their rhythm against Stade Nyonnais next Friday. On the other hand, FC Wil will aim to find their form and finish the season strong, as they currently sit firmly mid-table.
The excitement of this match yet again showcased the unpredictability and allure of the Challenge League, promising fans drama and skilled play with each passing week.