Servette FCCF lacked the energy to contain GC this Sunday afternoon. The Servettiennes now see YB closing in just one point behind. A win in Basel next Sunday is essential to stay in the Top 2. They still have a chance to win the regular season.
After the disappointment of being eliminated in the Swiss Cup semi-final on Wednesday, a determined and vengeful Servette FCCF was expected. Well-organized in the opening minutes, the Genevans set a high tempo, while GC played mainly on the counterattack. The opening goal came quickly after a beautiful team move inside the penalty area. It was Paloma Lazaro who fired the ball into the top corner (5th minute).
Unfortunately, after this bright start, José Barcala’s players lost their focus, allowing the Zurich side to equalize just three minutes later (Potier, 8th minute).
The Genevans regained the lead in the 36th minute, once again through Paloma Lazaro. The Spaniard headed home a cross from Cassandra Korhonen, sparking joy among the 1,364 spectators at Stade des Trois-Chêne. This time, it was hoped that Servette would avoid repeating the same mistakes as earlier in the match. Unfortunately, they again failed to contain GC, who had stepped up their intensity.
The equalizer came from Mikulica just four minutes later, and shortly after that, Egli gave the visitors the lead with a stunning free-kick (43rd minute). Her strike was magnificent, curling into the top corner past Mickaëla Bottega.
At halftime, Servette FCCF was trailing by one goal but had every intention of turning things around. Paula Serrano and Therese Simonsson were brought on to offer more attacking options. Despite several chances — including a crossbar hit by Serrano — no goals were scored in the second half. GC remained compact in their final third and avoided any costly mistakes.
It’s a bitter defeat for the Servettiennes, who now must travel to Basel needing a strong result to be in the best possible position heading into the Playoffs. They can still finish the regular season anywhere between first and third place. One thing is certain: they will need to show a different face next Sunday.
