In a thrilling encounter on March 28, 2025, FC Thun emerged victorious against Xamax, clinching a 2:1 win that propelled them back to the top of the Challenge League standings. The match, held at the Stockhorn-Arena, was marked by a stunning free-kick goal from Leonardo Bertone, which set the tone for an exhilarating evening.
The game began with both teams displaying determination, but it was Thun who struck first. Just before halftime, Bertone showcased his exceptional skill, scoring a breathtaking free-kick from approximately 18 meters out, leaving Xamax's goalkeeper Edin Omeragic with no chance. This goal not only ignited the home crowd but also gave Thun a crucial lead as they headed into the break.
After the halftime whistle, Thun had a golden opportunity to double their advantage when Christopher Ibayi was awarded a penalty kick. However, in a moment of disappointment for the home side, Ibayi's shot was brilliantly saved by Omeragic, keeping Xamax in the game.
Despite the missed penalty, Thun continued to press forward, and their efforts paid off when Layton Stewart, who had come on as a substitute, scored the second goal for Thun in the 80th minute. Stewart's timely strike, just ten minutes before the end of the match, seemed to secure the points for the home side.
However, the drama was far from over. In stoppage time, Xamax nearly equalized with a remarkable chance that saw the ball hit the crossbar and bounce dangerously close to the goal line, but it ultimately stayed out. Thun's defense held firm, and they managed to secure the win, much to the relief of their fans.
Meanwhile, in a parallel match, FC Aarau faced Étoile Carouge and squandered a 2:0 lead, settling for a 2:2 draw. Valon Fazliu opened the scoring for Aarau in the 11th minute, with Koide doubling the lead in the 63rd minute. However, Carouge's Vincent Rüfli responded with two quick goals, the second being a penalty in the 78th minute, which dashed Aarau's hopes of maintaining their position at the top of the league.
As a result of these outcomes, FC Thun reclaimed the league lead with nine rounds remaining, leaving Aarau just one point behind. The victory for Thun and the draw for Aarau marked a significant turning point in the title race, with both teams now fully aware of the stakes as the season approaches its climax.
Coach Mauro Lustrinelli of Thun expressed his satisfaction with the performance, stating, "We showed great resilience, especially after missing the penalty. The team kept fighting and ultimately got the result we needed." The atmosphere in the Stockhorn-Arena was electric, with fans celebrating their team's return to the top of the table.
Looking ahead, FC Aarau will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face AC Bellinzona on March 31, 2025. With the pressure mounting, every match will be crucial as the race for the Challenge League title intensifies.
As the season progresses, both FC Thun and FC Aarau will be keenly aware that every point counts in this tightly contested league. With the excitement of the title race heating up, fans can expect thrilling matches as teams battle for promotion to the top tier of Swiss football.
In conclusion, the events of March 28, 2025, will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the Challenge League season, with FC Thun now firmly in control of their destiny as they chase the championship.
