Bitter defeat for Xamax in Vaduz

“Infuriating, frustrating, undeserved.” Three words that came back into the mouths of the “red and black” on Friday evening after the match in Vaduz. A match lost 2-1 by Neuchâtel Xamax during the 14^e Challenge League day.

Liechtenstein’s opening score fell after only three minutes of play, following a big error on Giovanni Bamba’s restart allowing Javier Navarro to appear alone against Edin Omeragic. The Vaduz striker did not miss such a chance. At the 69^eGuillaume Furrer equalized after a nice little number and a strike at the near post, scoring his first goal with his new colors. But seven minutes later, the Principality team took a definitive advantage on a penalty, converted by ex-Xamaxian Dominik Schwizer, whistled after a handball by Michael Gonçalves.

Too many wasted opportunities

After the opening score, the “red and black” reacted well. They dominated their opponent and created numerous chances. But their lack of efficiency and lucidity proved fatal. This is demonstrated by the statistics: 57% ball possession, a total of 17 shots for only three on target, without forgetting the 14 corners from which the Neuchâtelois benefited. “There is a lot of frustration this evening,” underlines Yoan Epitaux, wearing the captain’s armband at kick-off, Uli Forte having decided to put Kenan Fatkic on the bench. “Frankly we were better than them,” adds the Franc-Montagnard.

Guillaume Furrer reveals himself

Guillaume Furrer, one of the best men on the field, did not hide his disappointment either. “This defeat hurts, because I think we really had a good match. We would have deserved more,” adds the one who was not far from scoring a double. But his beautiful shot a few minutes from the end was nicely deflected by Vaduz goalkeeper Benjamin Büchel. “After all, she didn’t want to come home this evening, it’s a shame. »

It’s the 2^e consecutive setback and the 3^e in the last four meetings for Uli Forte’s men. In the ranking, despite this defeat, Xamax remains 3^e. Next meeting for the Neuchâtelois on Friday November 22 at La Maladière against FC Thun. /jpp