As St Gallen and Young Boys share the points in a thrilling 3-3 draw, both teams missed the chance to pull clear of the other - but the biggest talking point was the controversial nature of YB's last-minute equaliser.As fans of the Espen fume, we wonder whether they really were the victim of a conspiracy - or was just it just Young Boys' expertise coming to the fore?Basel continued their patchy domestic form as they saw a two-goal lead slip, allowing Servette to equalise - and missing the chance to close the gap on the top two.We report back from the Stockhorn Arena as a resurgent Thun were unlucky to only draw with league's in-form team. Luzern.And, yes, the rumours are true: The league's two other games finished in a draw, meaning we had a straight flush of draws in the Super League.In the Challenge League, Chiasso gained a rare win. Lausanne Sport took another step towards the title, whilst Aarau and Kriens shared an 8-goal epic.All that, plus a Raoul Petretta masterclass in FCB's Europa League win - IT'S SWISSBALL!Email: swissballpod@gmail.comInstagram: @swissballpodcastFacebook: Swissball Podcast

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Gameweek 23: "64% of respondents believe that, yes, St Gallen are the victim of a conspiracy...wow"

In a topsy-turvy week, four of the bottom five win...whilst the top three all lose. Go figure!FC Basel continue their post-Christmas awful form, with their third defeat in four - and losing Luca Zuffi to ACL woe only compounds their misery.A rejuvenated Luzern gain their fifth consecutive win at St Gallen's expense - whilst we marvel at Fabio Celestini's instant impact at the Swissporarena, we also wonder if this was merely a blip for St Gallen or a sign of things to come.And in the weekend's surprise result, Lugano defeat a Young Boys team who not only handed a debut to the fleet-footed Samuel Ballet, but also showcased some lacklustre defending.Plus, we wax lyrical about a Xamax goal which was straight from the Copacabana!We cast a derisory eye over results in the Challenge League - 2x 0-0 draws, and 3x 1-0 wins. Not much to see here...And the Europa League is back! As Switzerland's sol representative, we wonder how FC Basel will fare against APOEL Nicosia and what a reasonable campaign might look like.All that, in this week's Swissball - all aboard!WE HAVE A FACEBOOK PAGE! Find us: Swissball Podcast. You can also follow us on Instagram (@swissballpodcast) and email the show via swissballpod@gmail.com

Gameweek 22: "A goal-scoring debut for Samuel Ballet who will surely be pirouetting into the sunset"

It's been 71 long, barren, monochrome days...but, after an elongated winter break...Swissball is BACK!And what's this that we have come back to? St Gallen top of the league? YB desperately keeping pace? Basel getting their first win in three?! After months of speculation, it's confirmed: We have a three-team title race on our hands (and that's being generous to FCB - keep up Rottblau, you're ruining the narrative!). As St Gallen gain an impressive win against Servette, we discuss their title-winning credentials - and whether they can be the first team since FC Zurich in 2009 to break up the FCB/YB duopoly.Elsewhere, Thun's upturn of form may see them leapfrog Xamax, and consign the hapless Neuchatelois to bottom spot - are they doomed?And in the Challenge League, it's all change at Grasshoppers as they say "Goodnight Vienna" to Uli Forte and "Hello to Vienna" in welcoming in Goran Djuricin. Can he really get them scoring and heading towards promotion?Plus, Schaffhausen get a timely win, Vaduz appear out of nowhere in the top two, and Lausanne Sport keep another clean sheet. All that, in this week's Swissball!Want to get in touch with the show? swissballpod@gmail.com - or find us on Instagram @swissballpod

Gameweek 21: "What's this? A team top of the league who is not Young Boys or FCB?!"

After a three-week hiatus, Swissball is back - and we're back with a bang! With 29 goals across the top two divisions, this weekend had something for everyone.We report back from St Jakob-Park, and the top-of-the-table clash - a win could have taken Young Boys 7 points clear of Basel but, alas, it was not to be as FCB continue to chase them down. And with St Gallen winning again, we have three teams who could feasibly win the league.In the rest of the Super League, Lugano put their European misery behind them as they continue to profit from a change of manager, Xamax's "11 man behind the ball" is inevitably breached as FC Zurich continue their good form, whilst Sion get their first win since September.We round-up the Challenge League, where Grasshoppers are now unbeaten in eight (but still 6 points behind the formidable Lausanne-Sport - who, of course, won again), whilst Schaffhausen's winless run continues, and Lausanne-Ouchy slide towards the relegation mire.Plus, we evaluate last week's Europa League action (and wonder whether Basel will be joined in the knock-out rounds by Young Boys), as well as a homage to Kobi Kuhn, and a dose of trivia in honour of the great man.Back next week!In the meantime, contact the show! swissballpod@gmail.com - or follow us on Instagram: @swissballpodcast

Gameweek 16: Rare wins, new manager bounce, and a three-team title race

As the temperatures plummet, the drama hots up - it's another action-packed episode of Swissball!This week, we report back from the Stade de Suisse, where Young Boys (no longer unbeaten) welcome the "young pretenders" St Gallen - in the seven-goal thriller that followed, there was emphatic finishes, poor defending, and very vocal away fans.We also take a look at other Super League games as Servette, Zurich, and Basel all win, keeping up their recent good form.At the other end of the table, it was a relegation 6-pointer as bottom side Thun head to 9th-placed Xamax - being decided by a late winner, we look at what this means for the relegation race.In the Challenge League, Lausanne Sport bounce back from their recent defeat to hit 5 against Schaffhausen, the Canton Zurich derby between Grasshoppers and Winterthur ends in a draw, whilst Chiasso win for the second week running (unglaublich!)We also take a look at last week's Europa League games - namely from the St Jakob's, where your host was in attendance at Basel vs Getafe. Which one of our Swiss representatives will make it to the knock-out rounds?It's an international break this weekend so we'll be back on Monday 25 November - in the meantime, send your emails through to swissballpod@gmail.com (find us on Instagram: @swissballpodcast

Gameweek 14: Goals everywhere - but are the attackers good or the defenders bad?

*Warning: This is probably the most action-packed episode to-date!*Phew, it's been a busy time in Switzerland - firstly, Lugano dispensed of Fabio Celestini after a year in-charge. We discuss the in-tray of his successor, Maurizio Jacobacci.And then, following their 3-0 defeat at the in-form St Gallen, Sion have, predictably, sacked Stephane Henchoz after less than 6 months in charge - it started so well for the former Swiss defender. We discuss who may replace him at Stade Tourbillon.In the league this weekend, Young Boys have lost a game - shock, horror! The unebaten 14-game streak is over, thanks to Servette and the inspirational Sebastien Wuthrich.Could FC Basel capitalise on this and go back to 1st place? No, they couldn't - they drop points at home to draw-specialists Xamax. As your host was in attendance at St Jakob's, we wonder - are FCB too focussed on Europe than the League?In the Challenge League, we discuss Grasshoppers their ability to grind out transactional wins - also, just how did whipping boys Chiasso beat the whippers Lausanne-Sport? Shock, horror part II. We also look back at last week's Schweizer Pokal action, gaze in awe at goals scored from halfway lines, and glance towards this week's Europa League matches.Keep in touch - send a note through to swissballpod@gmail.com, and follow the show on Instagram (@swissballpodcast) Back next week!

Gameweek 13: "He's scored from his own half - such a hit!"

We're 33.33% (recurring) of the way through the Swiss football season, and the goals are flying in - with an average of 4 goals/game this weekend (only 3 teams failing to score across the top two divisions), it's a vintage edition of Swissball. Young Boys emerge victorious in the Bernese derby (but not after an early scare from the beleaguered Thun), Basel lose points (and pride) at the hands of FC Zurich, St Gallen's impressive run continues (thanks to Alain Sutter and his fabulous hair?) whilst Xamax win again(!). In the Challenge League, Lausanne Sport get their own back on Lausanne Ouchy by hitting them for 5, Wil and their Wunderkind pick up momentum at Aarau's expense, Chiasso lose (again), whilst Grasshoppers drop points (again). We glance back over our shoulder to last week and digest the performance of our Swiss representatives in the Europa League (and pontificate what their expectations may be), we look ahead to the upcoming Schweizer Pokal games this mid-week, and there's also a speedy edition of Theo's Tremendous Trivia. Back next week - in the meantime, send any thoughts / questions on through to swissballpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram (@swissballpodcast)

Gameweek 12: "Take a look at his flowing locks...a good player and a great mane"

Following the lull of the international break, normal service has been resumed (until we're cruelly driven apart again in three weeks' time!)And it's very much as you were: Young Boys are still unbeaten, Basel grafted out a win, St Gallen continue to impress, Sion are on a downward trajectory (*insert dramatic gulp here*), and FC Zurich are...meh.In the Challenge League, your host brings first-hand anecdotes of Friday night's game between FC Aarau and Lausanne-Sport - the rain only added to the occasion, as 90s nostalgia was very much alive and well, with cheap pints, random music, and poor defending.Tangentially, we commend the Swiss national team for last week's victory - but we can't help but wonder why, according to 20min.ch, the Swiss public just aren't that enamoured by Xhaka et all...Plus, there's 'Theo's Tremendous Trivia', butchered pronunciations, praise for Luzern's heading coach, and we look ahead to this week's Europa League action.Back next week - in the meantime, want to get in touch? Follow us on Instagram (@swissballpodcast) or send us an email (swissballpod@gmail.com)!

Gameweek 11: "There was random music...and it seemed liked a prank when they went 3-0 up so quickly"

The Pina Coladas have been consumed, the sunburnt has soothed, and the postcards have been sent - yes, after a holiday hiatus, Swissball is back!And it's a vintage week to talk through - each team has now played everyone once; things are getting real! Young Boys beat FC Zurich by a scoreline which is now very familiar, St Gallen took points from FC Basel, Xamax were rescued by their aged attacker (again), whilst Thun are on a slippery slope.In the Challenge League, have the goals dried up for good at Lausanne Sport, are Chiasso en route to record-low points, and will Wil will more will after wilting against Grasshoppers?Elsewhere, there's been not one, but two Europa League instalments since we were last acquainted (#shockedfaceemoji) - Basel have started well, Lugano have also started (relatively) well, whilst it's all in even in Young Boys' group.It's international football next week so no podcast. but we'll be back on Monday 21 October to round up yet more scintillating Swiss fussball!In the meantime, send questions through to swissballpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram: @swissballpodcast

Gameweek 10: "They've had an 'English week' and now he can't wait to get to bed..."

Now the season is in full swing, it's a perfect time to look back and evaluate the business of of teams in the Super League and the Challenge League. Revolving doors across the land have been working overtime! Fax machines have been maximised! Bargains have been negotiated big time!We look at Sion, who have been very busy in their transactions - with two familiar faces returning to Switzerland, youth has also been added to the ranks.Hey, Young Boys generated interest - having sold two of their key assets, you would expect them to have reinvested...but have they?Meanwhile, in the Challenge League, we examine who has been ambitious in their recruitment processes, who has balanced the books, and who has been fighting fires.It's holiday season at Swissball HQ - we're back in two weeks, with the usual round-up. Until then: swissballpod@gmail.com with any questions and suggestions!

Transfer Special: Who's bought who, sold who, and loaned who this summer!

32 teams, 54 goals - this round of the Schweizer Pokal / Coupe de Suisse / Swiss Cup was always going to be CHAOTISCH!There were 5x ties which pitted Super League opponents against Challenge League opposition - and some big names fell: Servette, St Gallen, and Lugano were all vanquished, in surprising fashion. Also - what's that ruining the party? Why, it's five teams from way down the Swiss football lader! Bavois, Bulle, Linth, Beroche-Gorgier, and Raperswil-Jona all majestically emerged victorious.There's also a last-minute goal-scoring debut for "St Seydou", back in Swiss football with Sion, in contentious circumstances - lovely stuff!Elsewhere, there were, of course, routine victories for FC Basel, Young Boys, and Luzern against lesser opposition.It's holiday time at Swissball HQ: We'll be back on Monday 7 October, with the usual weekly round-up of domestic football - in the meantime, keep an eye out for the transfer special, hitting your streams next week!As always, swissballpod@gmail.com with queries / questions / suggestions!

Swiss Cup, Round 2: Selfish strikers, extra-time madness, and 11 goals for Young Boys

It may have taken 274 days, but FC Basel have (for the moment) regained top spot from Young Boys. With FCB winning, and YB only drawing, the Rotblau are top - but how long can it last? We discuss if this is cause for concern for Young Boys', well, young boys...or just a minor blip.Also, Xamax's search for their first league win continues, after they let a 2-goal lead slip, and Sion are effective and stylish against Thun.We also look at the Challenge League, where the goal-machines of Lausanne Sport are beaten by their profligate neighbours, Lausanne-Ouchy. And Grasshoppers are winless in three, after drawing with Vaduz.Following last week's Europa League group-stage draw, we encourage Lugano to enjoy while it lasts, wish FCB well as they have long journeys ahead, and boldly back YB to make it through.Plus, in the spirit of Deadline Day, we cast an eye at the latest transfers (ahead of the upcoming "Transfer Special" episode)We're now on Facebook! Search for "Swissball podcast". Find us on Instagram (@swissballpodcast) and email the show: swissballpod@gmail.com - always a pleasure to hear from you!Back next week!

Gameweek 6: "If they're serious about being promoted, they need to take a good look at themselves"

After last week's exploits in the Swiss Cup, Theo is joined in this episode by pod debutant Dan Hunt to digest this weekend's return to league action this weekend - and teams are starting to show their minerals (or lack there of, in some cases)In the Super League, "the Theo Rowley derby" saw Neuchatel Xamax lose to FC Basel, whilst Young Boys clinically dispatched FC Zurich. Meanwhile, as Lugano lost to St Gallen, we ask how realistic it is that the Bianconeri can finish 3rd again.We also find time to admire Servette for slotting into life in the top-flight, and commend Stephane Henchoz for starting so well at Sion.In the Challenge League, we have a look at Friday night's Zurich derby as Grasshoppers drew with Winterthur, whilst we also applaud the formidable Lausanne-Sport for sticking five past Aarau (who may need to re-think their promotion ambitions) and ask if Chiasso are for this division or not.Ahead of Young Boys' second leg to Crvena Zvezda, we dream of Champions League football, and look ahead to this Friday's group draw (which may or may not feature YB)All that, plus Dan talks us through his most memorable Swiss games and describes why Massimo Maccarone still makes FCB fans shudder.Want to get in touch? Send us an email: swissballpod@gmail.com - and find us on Instagram, @swissballpodcastBack next week!

Gameweek 5: "How and why has he got two yellows so quickly?"

It's the first round of the Schweizer Pokal (translation: the Swiss Cup), and so it's time to trot out well-worn metaphors and cliches.Plucky under-dogs take on bloated behemoths! Part-time teachers score goals! They're in dreamland! They're stunned and/or shocked! (etc)Sion take on Allschwil of the fifth tier and duly batter them, FC Zurich block roads en route to beating Black Stars, Xamax are still relying on a man who's almost 40, and could this be the year that Young Boys end their 30+ year wait for the trophy?Meanwhile, Schaffhausen are eliminated by a team two divisions below them, ebullient Bulle bully chastised Chiasso, whilst Grasshoppers score 9 (NINE).There's all that, plus an update on just how badly Swiss teams are performing in qualifying for the Champions League or Europa League.And Theo's Tremendous Trivia treats thee to thinking time.Get in touch with the show: swissballpod@gmail.com Back next week, when league football resumes!

Swiss Cup, Round 1: "It finished 14-0...three different players scored hat-tricks and one lad scored four"

We're now "10-15%" of the way through the season - and this gameweek was full of noteworthy action!We take a close look at Luzern's latest loss and ask just *what* is going wrong with them. As Xamax steal a last-minute point against FCZ, we'll drool over *that* bicycle kick and pontificate if there could really be no Zurich teams in the top-flight next season...FC Basel, fresh from their miserable home defeat in Champions League qualifying, returned to winning way against Servette whilst Young Boys maintained their unbeaten start.In the Challenge League, Lausanne Sport looked irresistable, Chiasso put Aarau to the sword with some impressive goals, whilst Grasshoppers' 100% record came to an end.We round up action from qualifying campaigns - and it makes for miserable listening, as all Swiss teams were well and truly tonked.Plus, your questions - including a real humdinger on multi-culturalism. Want to make contact? Email the show at swissballpod@gmail.com - and find us on Instagram, @swissballpodBack next week, to talk through the first round of the Swiss Cup!

Gameweek 4: "I'm not sure about this kid...and what is that defender doing!"

The *only* weekly English-speaking round-up of all things football in Switzerland!From the rollercoaster emotions of the Super League, through to the highs and lows of the Challenge League, and everything in-between - we've got it here.

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