FC Thun qualified for the Swiss Cup Final on Tuesday night, as they beat FC Luzern 1-0 at the Swissporarena.
After a tight affair in Luzern, Thun triumphed thanks to a solitary goal from Roy Gelmi in the 79th minute. Luzern goalkeeper David Zibung spilled the ball, as the ball was pulled back to Gelmi to slot home to give the visitors the lead.
Thun progressed to the Swiss Cup Final with their victory, reaching the final for only the second time in their 121-year history. The Bernese Oberland club last reached the cup final 64 years ago, eventually losing 3-1 to FC La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1955.
Luzern certainly had better chances but couldn’t capitalise, as their control of the game and numerous efforts on goal came to nothing. FCL were aiming to reach the final for the first time since 2012, and win the competition for the first time in 27 years.
The hosts will be frustrated as well as devastated, as they missed out on a huge opportunity to earn some potential silverware. Luzern were eager to repeat their quarter-final performance, where they beat Swiss champions BSC Young Boys 4-0 last month.
Although it was far from the prettiest performance from Marc Schneider’s side, they fought hard and took their chances to prevail in the all Super League semi-final. It is a remarkable achievement for Thun, who only returned to the top flight in 2010.
A cup final is another sign of Thun’s excellent season, as they have been high flying in the league. They currently sit third in the Swiss Super League, as they continue their pursuit of Europa League football. Should they remain third, Thun will qualify for the third qualifying round of Europe’s second tier competition.
Thun will now play in the Swiss Cup Final on 19 May, which will be held at the Stade de Suisse in Bern. They will meet either FC Basel or FC Zürich, who meet in the second semi-final on Thursday night.
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