Mattias Käit and FC Thun were forced to delay their title celebrations after suffering a dramatic 0-1 home defeat to FC Lugano.
Thun entered the match knowing that just two points from their final five games would be enough to secure a remarkable Swiss league title in their first attempt after promotion. With the chance to seal it in front of their own fans, the stage seemed perfectly set. However, Lugano – still fighting for a top-three finish – had other plans.
With Käit in the starting lineup, Thun controlled much of the first half and created the better chances, but the crucial breakthrough never came. Despite their attacking intent, the hosts were unable to convert their opportunities into goals.
The turning point came late in the second half. In the 74th minute, Käit’s evening ended as he was substituted, and the game appeared to be drifting toward a goalless draw. But deep into stoppage time, drama struck – Lugano were awarded a penalty, which Ezgjan Alioski calmly converted to snatch victory.
Despite the setback, Thun remain firmly in control of the title race. Their celebrations could still begin as early as Sunday, depending on the result of FC St. Gallen, the only side mathematically capable of catching them, who face BSC Young Boys away.
The scale of Thun’s dominance this season cannot be overlooked. After winning promotion from the second division last year, they went on a stunning run between mid-December and mid-March, collecting 13 consecutive unbeaten matches – including 12 victories – and building a commanding 14-point lead at the top with five games still remaining.
Thun’s next match could see them take the field as champions, as they travel next Saturday to face defending title holders FC Basel.
