Getting back into shape at the start of the year for Neuchâtel, which hosted FC Bienne at La Maladière. Under the direction of the new coach, Anthony Braizat, the Rouge-et-Noir started the match with a lot of aggression. The first chance of the match came from the right side. Euclides Cabral found Jesse Hautier in depth. The number 18’s cross ended at the feet of Shkelkim Demhasaj but his recovery passed over the cages of Benjamin Roth. In the process, the people of Bienne reacted with a free kick. Five minutes later, Freddy Mveng tried to adjust his shot, which ended just wide of Edin Omeragić’s goal.
The match showed good intensity. Xamax dominated, but without finding the fault. It could have been the case on a penalty if a foul on Demhasaj, in the area, was called five minutes before the break, but the referee did not flinch. Three minutes later, number 9 inherited a new ball…just above. The pressure increased again and this time, Fabio Saiz’s recovery found Roth’s gloves. Before a surprise counterattack that could have hurt. Kenan Fatkic, alone against Malko Sartoretti, missed his clearance. The Biel striker appeared in front of Omeragić but the goalkeeper emerged victorious from this duel. Despite a final burst of pressure from Elmedin Schaller, the two teams parted with a draw at the break (0-0).
Back from the locker room, the Rouge et Noir resumed their pressing. Almost paid off after just three minutes. Liridon Mulaj suffered a bad tackle in the area. Enough this time for the referee who designated the penalty point. The winger rushed to do himself justice and missed his duel. It was only a postponement for the Neuchâtelois who finally found the path to the goal thanks to Salim Ben Seghir. Returning from injury, the leader adjusted his shot and beat Raphael Radtke (1-0, 50′).
Biel rebelled and immediately looked for an equalizer. First by Loïc Bongué, then by Kelio Martella. Without success. But it was misfortune that would give the people of Bienne the goal they were waiting for. In the 73rd minute, Martella rushed down the right side and sent the ball into the area. Gonçalves threw himself to defend, but his tackle sent the ball into his own net (1-1).
Hope returned for the visitors, but it would be short-lived. Bamba, left alone in midfield, tried a powerful strike which fooled Radtke (2-1, 77′).
We said to ourselves that the hardest part was done for the Xamaxians, especially as the timer approached the end of the meeting. But on one of the last occasions, Guillaume Furrer made a bad defensive move in the area, on midfielder Sébastien Moulin. Penalty converted for the Biennois by Yann Massombo (2-2, 88′).
Against all expectations, Xamax conceded a third goal in stoppage time. Matthew Mäder took advantage of a confusion in the Neuchâtel defense to crucify the locals (3-2, 90′). The match was over. Despite this defeat in a friendly match, the players’ commitment was commendable and it is undoubtedly the most important this Saturday.
