The final match before the Swiss winter break lived up to its billing as a top-of-the-table clash, but FC Aarau came away empty-handed after a chaotic 3–2 defeat to FC Vaduz. In a match that featured lead changes, a red card, and a last-minute winner, Aarau fought valiantly but ultimately saw Vaduz open up a three-point lead at the summit of the Challenge League.
Match recap
Aarau found themselves on the back foot early when Stephan Seiler opened the scoring for Vaduz in the 17th minute. However, the response was swift; Elias Filet leveled the score just five minutes later. The match remained balanced until the hour mark when Dominik Schwizer restored the lead for the home side.
Aarau’s uphill battle became steeper in the 66th minute when Marcin Tom Dickenmann received a second yellow card, leaving the visitors to play with ten men. Despite the disadvantage, Aarau showed incredible resolve, finding a late equalizer through Daniel Afriyie in the 85th minute. Just as it looked like Aarau would escape with a hard-earned point, Stephan Seiler struck again in the 89th minute to secure all three points for Vaduz.
Thomás Chacón’s performance
Thomás Chacón was a central figure in Aarau’s creative efforts, once again operating as a primary playmaker in the attacking third.
- Vision and movement: Chacón was instrumental in Aarau’s transition play, finding space between the lines to link the midfield to Elias Filet and Daniel Afriyie.
- Creation: While he didn’t record an assist on the night, his delivery into the box remained a constant threat, and he was involved in the buildup for Aarau’s first-half equalizer.
- Work rate: Following the red card to Dickenmann, Chacón was forced to put in a shift defensively, tracking back to help a shorthanded midfield against a relentless Vaduz attack.
- Tactical role: Before being substituted late in the match, Chacón’s technical ability allowed Aarau to retain possession under pressure, a vital component in their ability to stay competitive while playing a man down.
Stats
- Minutes played: 78
- Touches: 44
- Key passes: 2
- Overall rating: 7.0
Aarau now enters the winter break sitting in second place, three points behind Vaduz. They will have several weeks to regroup before the season resumes in late January.
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