In a thrilling encounter at Letzigrund, the Grasshoppers Zurich stunned FC Luzern with a decisive 3:1 victory on April 6, 2025, in the 31st round of the Super League. The match marked a significant moment for Adama Bojang, who netted a hat trick, propelling his team to a much-needed win and giving them a six-point cushion over the relegation zone.
The Grasshoppers, who had not tasted victory since early March, came out with an aggressive approach, quickly establishing dominance over their opponents. Bojang opened the scoring in the 14th minute after a defensive blunder by Luzern. A short back pass from Bung Meng Freimann was intercepted, allowing Pascal Loretz to parry the initial shot, but Bojang was quick to capitalize on the rebound, slotting the ball into an empty net.
Despite their early struggles, Luzern managed to equalize shortly after halftime. Pius Dorn, who had been a pivotal figure for Luzern, scored in the 54th minute, leveling the match at 1:1. This goal seemed to breathe new life into the visitors, who had made a triple substitution just before the half, bringing on fresh legs to revitalize their attack.
However, the joy of the equalizer was short-lived for Luzern. Just two minutes later, Bojang struck again, restoring the Grasshoppers' lead. This time, he received a well-placed cross from Benno Schmitz, which he deftly converted to make it 2:1. The momentum had swung back in favor of GC, and the home crowd of 6,342 erupted in celebration.
As the match progressed, Bojang was not done yet. In the 72nd minute, he completed his hat trick with a powerful header from a cross by Tomas Veron Lupi, sealing the game at 3:1. This remarkable performance not only showcased his scoring ability but also highlighted the Grasshoppers' resilience as they fought back from a challenging season.
For Luzern, the defeat was a significant setback. Coach Mario Frick's side had aimed for a win to secure their place in the Championship Round, but instead, they found themselves slipping closer to the relegation battle. The team struggled defensively, and their inability to maintain momentum after the equalizer proved costly.
Frick's decision to make a triple substitution in the 33rd minute was a desperate attempt to shake things up, but it ultimately did not yield the desired results. Following the match, Frick acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "We have to regroup and focus on our next game against YB. We can't afford to let our performance drop like this."
As for Bojang, the 20-year-old Gambian forward expressed his delight after the match, saying, "It feels incredible to score three goals. This is my first hat trick as a professional, and I knew my time would come. I just had to keep believing in myself." His confidence has been a topic of discussion, especially after a difficult start to the season where he struggled to find the back of the net.
The Grasshoppers' victory not only lifted them in the standings but also provided a much-needed boost to their morale as they continue to battle against relegation. With this win, they now sit six points clear of the bottom-placed Winterthur, allowing them to breathe a little easier as the season progresses.
Looking ahead, the Grasshoppers will face Yverdon next on April 12, 2025, but they will have to do so without Bojang, who received a yellow card in the match and will be suspended. Coach Tomas Oral will need to find a way to fill the void left by his star player, especially after such a standout performance.
Meanwhile, Luzern's focus shifts to their upcoming match where they will host the reigning Swiss champions, YB, on April 13, 2025. With the pressure mounting, Frick's squad needs to regroup quickly to avoid slipping further down the table.
The Grasshoppers' victory over Luzern serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the Super League, where fortunes can change rapidly. As the season approaches its climax, both teams will need to harness their strengths and address their weaknesses to secure their desired outcomes.
