It's all happening very quickly. FC Sion have barely recovered from their disappointment in the Swiss Cup before returning to the Challenge League on Sunday in Tourbillon. The Valais outfit host AC Bellinzona at 2.15pm.
The context
Fresh from qualifying for the Swiss Cup semi-finals, FC Sion take on Bellinzona on Matchday 24 of the Challenge League. Still top of the league and on a high for the last few hours, the Valais outfit are back to business as usual in Tourbillon on Sunday.
Since resuming in January, Sédun have picked up 15 points from a possible 15, giving them five wins in a row. The form of Didier Tholot's men is naturally reflected in the standings. With a seven-point lead over second-placed FC Sion, they have stabilised their position at the top of the table and have lost just one match in all competitions this season!
The opposition
AC Bellinzona, like many of the teams in the Challenge League, are fighting for their place in Switzerland's 2nd tier. Sixth on 28 points, the Ticino outfit are still eight points clear of bottom-placed Baden.
In 2024, the team coached by Manuel Benavente won just once, against Neuchâtel Xamax. On the final matchday, Bellinzona lost 1-0 to FC Vaduz. That defeat further tightened the gap in the standings, in which eight teams are now level on eleven points, between third and last place.
The stakes
Sion take on Thun in a few weeks' time. Before the clash with the Bernese, the Valais outfit will be looking to maintain their lead in the standings. They will have to get past Bellinzona, a team in dire straits and still needing to salvage a place in the Challenge League.
Latest fixtures
4 August 2023 FC Sion - AC Bellinzona 1-0
5 November 2023 AC Bellinzona - FC Sion 1-2
Latest news
Itaitinga is still injured, while Baltazar will once again be available to Didier Tholot after being suspended in the Cup. Lavanchy and Berdayes could be suspended if they receive a caution.