FCZ-GC and YB-FCB semi-final clash: High Noon in the Swiss Cup

Rarely in the history of the Swiss Cup have the semi-final duels been more high-profile and thrilling than this season. On the one hand, Super League leaders YB face second-placed FC Basel, while on the other, the Zurich derby takes place at the Letzigrund.

The second encounter in particular will inevitably remind football fans of the legendary Cup evening on March 3, 2004, which has gone down in the history of Swiss football. FCZ - at that time still the clear underdog in the duels against their city rivals - were leading 5:2 with seven minutes to go. The FCZ fans in the visitors' section of the Hardturm Stadium hugged each other in anticipation of reaching the Cup final.

But, as we all know, everything turned out differently. The Grasshoppers scored three goals in the final minutes, forcing extra time, in which they ultimately defeated the city club 6:5. It was to be a momentous experience, especially for FCZ - and in retrospect, surprisingly, heralded an era of success for the Zurich club.

In 2018, the Zurich derby still captivates fans. At a time when neither GC nor FCZ can count on a place in the championship that would take them into European competition, the Cup is all the more important.

Especially because Young Boys or Basel await them in the final. Because: YB and FCB will in all likelihood fight it out between themselves this spring for the top two places in the championship, which both entitle them to qualify for the Champions League. Either way, GC or FCZ will be guaranteed a place in the Europa League group stage in the cup final.

Just like the Zurich derby, the clash between YB and Basel also has a great Cup history. The two big clubs have already met 14 times: Basel have won ten times and Bern four times. The last duel took place in the semi-final in 2009. Back then, the Young Boys reached the final after a penalty shoot-out. The big hero on the YB side was Marco Wölfli, who saved all three of Basel's penalties.

As fate would have it, the now 35-year-old Wölfli will also be in the YB goal on February 27 due to the injury to regular goalkeeper David von Ballmoos. Perhaps a good omen for the Bernese, who have now been waiting 30 years for a title.