Neuchâtel Xamax’s (very) complicated start to the championship is confirmed in the Football Challenge League. Already defeated three times, the players of Andrea Binotto lost 3-2 at La Maladière against the surprising leader Yverdon. Not enough to gain confidence before welcoming – in a week – Lausanne Sport.
Equally surprisingly, Xamax is alone in last place in the rankings with zero points. If the situation is not yet alarming at this stage of the season, it inevitably worries. A reaction on the ground, within the technical staff, and management is now expected.
Xamax nevertheless had the match under control
After the opening of the Yverdonnoise score in the 31st minute, the “red and black” reacted well by equalizing in stride by Alexandre Pasche, before taking the advantage at the start of the second half by Koide. Not enough for the Neuchâtelois who gave up at the end of the match, allowing the Vaudois to win 3-2, with a double from the inevitable Koro Koné. Including a goal on a very questionable penalty. The defeat is however infuriating in view of the individual errors and the lack of success in front of goal. In the end, if coach Andrea Binotto is in danger, it is not he who is on the pitch. /yra
Neuchâtel Xamax – Yverdon 2-3 (1-1).
La Maladière: 3639 spectators.
Referee: Odiet.
Buts: 31e Koné 0-1. 32e Pasche 1-1. 63e Koide 2-1. 77e Berdayes 2-2. 82e Koné (penalty) 2-3.
Other results: Schaffhausen – Wil 0-1 (0-1). Neuchâtel Xamax FCS – Yverdon 2-3 (1-1). Thun – Aarau 2-2 (0-0).
Ranking: 1. Yverdon 4/10 (11-7). 2. Will 4/9 (6-2). 3. Lausanne-Sport 3/6 (7-3). 4. Lausanne-Ouchy Stadium 3/6 (7-4). 5. Schaffhausen 4/6 (4-6). 6. Aarau 4/5 (6-6). 7. Bellinzona 3/4 (3-5). 8. Vaduz 3/2 (4-6). 9. Thun 4/2 (4-7). 10. Neuchâtel Xamax FCS 4/0 (3-9).