Neuchatel Xamax FC vs FC Sion

Xamax came out with renewed purpose after the interval and levelled in the 61st minute. Naim García — on loan from CD Leganés — struck from the edge of the area after Sion failed to clear a corner, making it 2-2.

The equaliser could have rattled a young Sion side, but they responded with composure. Tholot had made several changes at half-time, introducing the likes of Franck Surdez, Donat Rrudhani and Numa Lavanchy, and the fresh legs proved decisive.

Franck Surdez — who spent time at Xamax earlier in his career — scored what proved to be the winner in the 77th minute, driving inside from the left and finishing low past the keeper. The winger, a Neuchâtel native, pointedly did not celebrate.

Deep into stoppage time, Donat Rrudhani converted a penalty won by a surging run into the box, wrapping up a 4-2 victory that flattered Sion's dominance in the final 20 minutes.

• Winsley Boteli (Sion) — the 19-year-old striker, who joined from Borussia Mönchengladbach, led the line well in the first half and scored the opener.
• Franck Surdez (Sion) — the defining individual moment. Came on at half-time and scored the winner against his former club. A sharp reminder of his quality.
• Donat Rrudhani (Sion) — the Kosovan international was lively after coming on at the break and capped his display with a coolly taken penalty.
• Ibrahima Keita (Xamax) — Xamax's best player on the night, his goal and hold-up play kept the hosts in the game during a difficult first half.

Sion used two completely different XIs across the two halves — a classic pre-season approach — with only defender Nias Sow and midfielder Costa staying on for the full 90 minutes. Xamax made no changes throughout the match, which may explain their fade in the final quarter.

Six goals from six different scorers reflects the open nature of the contest. Sion's 2-0 lead inside 26 minutes was a statement of intent, but their fragility at set pieces — García's goal came from a corner — is a takeaway for Tholot to address.

Both sides created chances regularly; the absence of cards suggests a clean, competitive friendly rather than a heated derby.

This was Sion's second pre-season friendly, following a win over Étoile Carouge on 27 June. Their next preparation match is against Yverdon Sport on 12 July. Sion also face FC Annecy on 17 July and Paris FC on 29 July before their UEFA Conference League qualifiers later in the month.

For Xamax, who play in the Swiss Challenge League, this was a useful test against top-flight opposition. They continue their own pre-season schedule ahead of the Swiss Cup first round against Meyrin FC.

A routine pre-season win for Sion, whose depth and quality told in the second half. Xamax showed they can compete in spells but were undone by individual quality from Surdez and Rrudhani. The scoreline was fair, and the fitness work done across 90 minutes will be the real takeaway for both coaches.