SV Hongg 3-3 FC St.Gallen U21
Switzerland Division 1 League | 23 May 2026

SV Hongg and FC St.Gallen U21 played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Sportanlage Hongg in a match that swung back and forth. With both teams desperate for points in the tight relegation battle, the six-goal thriller provided end-to-end entertainment and dramatic late twists.

Match Overview

The match started at a frantic pace, with St.Gallen U21 taking the lead inside five minutes when forward Nils Janko slotted home after a defensive mix-up. Hongg responded immediately through striker Michael Bärtsch, who equalised from a sharp angle. The visitors restored their advantage before half-time through a well-worked set piece, but Hongg again fought back early in the second half.

Key Moments

• 5' – St.Gallen 1-0: Janko pounced on a misjudged backpass to open the scoring.
• 12' – Hongg 1-1: Bärtsch collected a long ball, turned his marker, and fired low into the far corner.
• 38' – St.Gallen 2-1: A corner was headed home by defender Lukas Frei.
• 56' – Hongg 2-2: Midfielder Gianluca Romano curled a free kick over the wall and into the net.
• 72' – St.Gallen 3-2: Substitute Yannik Engel finished a counter-attack with a composed strike.
• 90'+3 – Hongg 3-3: In stoppage time, Bärtsch headed in a cross from the right to complete his brace and earn a point.

Tactical Story

Both teams played open, attacking football that left gaps at the back. Hongg relied on direct play and long balls to Bärtsch, while St.Gallen U21 used short passing combinations to unlock the home defence. The match became stretched in the second half, with both sides having chances to win it. Hongg’s refusal to settle for a loss paid off with the late equaliser.

Standout Players

Michael Bärtsch was the hero for Hongg, scoring twice including the stoppage-time leveller. For St.Gallen U21, midfielder Nils Janko was a constant threat with his pace and dribbling, while goalkeeper Noé Rüegg made several important saves to keep his team ahead.

Season Impact

The draw leaves SV Hongg in 13th place on 32 points, just one point above the relegation playoff spot. FC St.Gallen U21 remain in 12th with 34 points. Both sides will need results on the final day to secure their Division 1 status for next season.