Conference League Qualifying: FCSG storms into playoffs with 5:1 win over Sheriff Tiraspol

After the change of ends, FCSG continued to dictate play. Hunziker completed his brace in the 59th minute, extending the lead. Besio made it 4:1 in the 76th minute before Stevanovic rounded off the biggest win of the match in the closing stages. The goals at a glance: "Tore: 1. Besio 1:0. 9. Forov 1:1. 34. Hunziker 2:1. 59. Hunziker 3:1. 76. Besio 4:1. 87. Stevanovic 5:1." (Quelle: Spielbericht).

Comfortable position ahead of the return leg

With the clear home victory, St. Gallen holds all the cards for the return leg. A four-goal advantage means that Sheriff Tiraspol can practically not afford any mistakes in the return leg on the upcoming matchday if they are to pull off a turnaround. For FCSG, it is about confirming their focused performance and completing their advance to the playoff round of the Conference League.

The display against Sheriff Tiraspol was also a demonstration of attacking strength. With Besio and Hunziker, two players scored twice, while a further three players added their names to the scoresheet. This wide distribution of goals indicates that St. Gallen possesses a variety of attacking weapons and does not rely on a single goal scorer.

The coach and team can be satisfied with the performance, even though the return leg is still to come. In Conference League qualifying, only the aggregate of both matches decides who progresses. Nevertheless, with five goals scored and just one conceded in the first leg, St. Gallen has laid a more than solid foundation.

Broadly based attack as a trump card

While St. Gallen plans the next European step, other Swiss clubs are also watching the qualifying phase. Sion was also in the running but was eliminated in earlier rounds. FC St. Gallen is thus one of the few remaining Swiss representatives in European competition and carries a special responsibility.

FCSG appeared highly focused and aggressive in the challenges right from the start. The early phase with the opening goal gave the team a sense of security that they did not relinquish over large stretches of the match. Even after the equalizer in between, the eastern Swiss kept their composure and played their game through to the end consistently.

Looking ahead to the return leg in Tiraspol

With an eye on the return leg in Moldova, St. Gallen will look to carry their momentum forward and create clarity early on. The away trip to the Moldovan capital Tiraspol requires the utmost concentration, however, as Sheriff, as a representative from Eastern Europe, is known for their home strength. A goal early in the match could secure the final spot in the playoffs at an early stage.