Echallens 3-4 FC Naters: Seven-goal thriller ends in away delight

FC Naters edged a remarkable Switzerland Division 2 League encounter on Saturday, September 19, 2026, defeating Echallens 4-3 after a breathless contest that swung one way and then the other. The seven-goal thriller delivered everything fans could want: early goals, a hat-trick, defensive errors, late drama and a vital away win.

Echallens started brightly and took the lead inside the opening ten minutes, but FC Naters responded with character and quality. By the end of a frantic first half, the match was level, and after the break the visitors took control before surviving a tense finale.

First-half frenzy

Echallens began with intent, pressing high and looking to use the width of their home pitch. Their reward came in the 8th minute when Yanis Rochat latched onto a loose ball and fired low into the bottom corner. The lead lasted only eleven minutes, though, as FC Naters equalised through Luca Imhof, who finished neatly after a quick exchange on the edge of the box.

Echallens restored their advantage in the 31st minute when Mathis Perret converted from close range following a goalmouth scramble. But FC Naters were not rattled. Just before half-time, Imhof struck again, turning sharply inside the area and finding the far corner to make it 2-2 at the interval.

Second-half swings

The second half belonged largely to FC Naters. They took the lead for the first time in the 57th minute when Imhof completed his hat-trick, racing clear and finishing with confidence. Fifteen minutes later, Marco Bühler added a fourth for the visitors, punishing Echallens for a poor clearance.

Echallens refused to lie down. Rochat scored his second of the night in the 88th minute, setting up a nervous closing period, but FC Naters managed the final moments well and held on for a memorable 4-3 victory.

Key moments

• 8th minute – 1-0 Echallens: Yanis Rochat opened the scoring with a low drive.
• 19th minute – 1-1 FC Naters: Luca Imhof equalised with a composed finish.
• 31st minute – 2-1 Echallens: Mathis Perret scored from close range after a scramble.
• 44th minute – 2-2 FC Naters: Imhof turned and finished to level before the break.
• 57th minute – 2-3 FC Naters: Imhof completed his hat-trick on the counter.
• 72nd minute – 2-4 FC Naters: Marco Bühler capitalised on a defensive error.
• 88th minute – 3-4 Echallens: Rochat grabbed his second to set up a tense finale.

Tactical analysis

Both teams played open, attacking football, but FC Naters were more efficient in transition. Their wide players stretched Echallens’ back line, creating space for Imhof to exploit through the middle. Echallens pressed aggressively but left gaps between defence and midfield, which the visitors repeatedly exposed.

Defensively, Echallens will be disappointed with the goals conceded from turnovers and set-piece situations. FC Naters, meanwhile, showed exactly why they are dangerous away from home: they absorb pressure, break quickly and have a striker in outstanding form.

Players who made the difference

Luca Imhof was the undisputed star of the show, scoring a hat-trick that included a variety of finishes. His movement, first touch and composure in front of goal made him almost impossible to mark. Marco Bühler also impressed with his energy and goal contribution from midfield.

For Echallens, Yanis Rochat produced a brave performance with two goals, while Mathis Perret was a constant threat in the air. Unfortunately for the hosts, their attacking efforts were undermined by defensive lapses at crucial moments.

Switzerland Division 2 League impact

FC Naters climb the Switzerland Division 2 League table with this away win, boosting their confidence and keeping them in touch with the leading pack. Echallens remain a competitive side but will need to tighten up defensively if they are to turn entertaining performances into consistent points. In a league where every result matters, this seven-goal classic could prove to be a turning point for the visitors.