Swiss media mock Ajax’s Amsterdam spectacle as Sion’s hopes fade

Sion's European hopes ended as Ajax secured progression in the Conference League play‑offs in Amsterdam, leaving the Franstalig Swiss side eliminated from Europa after a 5‑3 aggregate victory. The tie, decided on Tuesday evening, saw Ajax overturn a 2‑1 deficit to dominate the second leg.

Swiss media mock the defeat

Zwitserse media digested the elimination with humour, the regional newspaper Le Nouvelliste leading the satire. The visitors from Franstalig Zwitserland were shown as out of Europa after the play‑offs. The tone was light‑hearted despite the disappointment.

Winsley Boteli’s hat‑trick was praised as a market‑value booster. The commentator noted that his performance made the Ajax defence appear as Sion’s, and Op the last moment it felt like children shouting on a schoolyard deciding the winning goal. The description highlighted the brief excitement before the final outcome.

Match drama and key moments

The tie began with Sion taking a 2‑1 lead, suggesting a possible upset if they had held it longer. Three minutes later the score was level at 2‑2, and Ajax quickly restored the advantage, sealing the elimination before the break. The first half therefore decided the outcome.

In the second half the match turned into a show rather than a competitive contest. Sion managed only 58 seconds of hope before Ajax extended the aggregate to 5‑3, a margin that remained comfortable. The spectacle drew laughter from the Swiss press, reinforcing the earlier mockery.

Watson observed that Sion made a good early figure but defensively allowed too many chances, being simply outplayed as in the first leg. They never came close to a serious comeback in the Johan Cruijff Arena.

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