On May 6, 2025, Yverdon Sport FC and FC St. Gallen 1879 faced off in a highly anticipated match in the Credit Suisse Super League, which ended in a 1:1 draw. The match, a makeup game after a previous postponement due to rain, showcased the contrasting fortunes of both teams as they battled for crucial points in the league.
Yverdon, fighting to avoid relegation, came into the match with a strong home record against St. Gallen, having won all five previous encounters at home without conceding a goal. The last time they played in St. Gallen, the teams ended in a goalless draw back in November 2024. However, despite this impressive history, Yverdon had been struggling lately, losing their last two league matches and only managing to secure two points from their previous five games.
From the outset, it seemed as though Yverdon would continue their dominance over St. Gallen when Willem Geubbels opened the scoring with a spectacular bicycle kick just six minutes into the match. The goal was a highlight in an otherwise lackluster game, as Yverdon controlled the tempo and maintained the lead heading into halftime.
"We controlled the game for long stretches and went into the locker room with a deserved lead," said Yverdon's coach, Enno Maassen, reflecting on his team's performance. However, he also noted that they should have pushed harder for a second goal to secure the match.
The second half began with St. Gallen looking to equalize, but the game shifted dramatically in the 67th minute when Yverdon's Albert Vallci received a second yellow card, reducing his team to ten men. This moment provided St. Gallen with a renewed sense of hope as they sought to capitalize on their numerical advantage.
Just seven minutes later, in the 74th minute, St. Gallen found the equalizer. The goal came as a result of sustained pressure from the visitors, who had been searching for an opening since Vallci's dismissal. Despite the setback, Yverdon continued to fight and even had a chance to reclaim the lead shortly before injury time when Jordi Quintillà had a good opportunity but missed the target by mere centimeters.
As the match concluded, both teams were left with mixed feelings. For St. Gallen, the draw was seen as a disappointment, especially after having taken the lead early in the game. Coach Enno Maassen expressed frustration, stating, "The draw is disappointing because more was possible today." He emphasized that despite the challenges, his team had shown the determination needed to win in Yverdon.
On the other hand, Yverdon could take some solace from the draw, as they managed to avoid defeat in a match where they had been under pressure for much of the second half. Their performance, however, raised questions about their ability to compete against teams in better form, particularly as they continue to fight against relegation.
Statistically, the match highlighted the contrasting styles of both teams. Yverdon remains the team with the fewest open play sequences of at least ten passes, with only 132 such sequences recorded this season. In stark contrast, St. Gallen leads the league in this category with 226 sequences, showcasing their superior ball movement and attacking strategy.
Both teams were also impacted by key absences due to suspensions, with Yverdon's defensive leader Mohamed Tijani and St. Gallen's captain Lukas Görtler both missing the match. Their absence was felt, as Yverdon averages 1.1 points per game with Tijani in the lineup, compared to just 0.8 without him. Similarly, St. Gallen performs better with Görtler, averaging 1.5 points in games he plays versus 1.1 in those he misses.
Despite the draw, Geubbels was a standout performer for St. Gallen, not only for his stunning goal but also for his overall play throughout the match. He has now scored twelve goals this season, a personal record in the Super League, and he continues to be a crucial player for the team as they navigate a challenging season.
As the season progresses, both teams will need to address their inconsistencies if they hope to achieve their respective goals. Yverdon must find a way to convert their home advantage into wins, while St. Gallen needs to improve their away form, having not won in five attempts on the road.
The draw leaves both teams with a lot to ponder as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures. Yverdon remains in a precarious position as they fight to avoid relegation, while St. Gallen must find a way to regain their form and prove they deserve a place in the upper echelons of the league.
