Thun secures European cup phase as Swiss trio eye Ajax hurdle

Thun have secured a place in a European cup league phase for the autumn, while a Swiss trio of Sion, St. Gallen and Lugano must still battle for a spot, with their final hurdle being a playoff against Ajax in the upcoming round.

Thun’s qualification journey

The Swiss champion earned three qualification chances. The first chance, a second‑qualifying‑round Champions League tie against Dinamo Zagreb, ended in defeat. The second chance, a third‑qualifying‑round Europa League match versus Vikingur Reykjavik, was seized, guaranteeing at least a Conference League league phase.

Coach Gian‑Luca Privitelli’s side now looks to the playoffs for a Europa League berth. Their opponent is Polish club Lech Poznan, who earned the playoff slot by defeating KI Klaksvik of the Faroe Islands.

Lech Poznan progressed with a 6‑0 aggregate win, the second leg 5‑0 after travel delays forced a Friday kickoff. The Polish side celebrated its tenth national championship title in the previous season.

Swiss trio’s playoff battle

In contrast, Sion, St. Gallen and Lugano face a decisive knockout. A loss in their respective playoffs would end any European cup participation, leaving only the Conference League as a realistic target.

The first‑leg fixtures are scheduled for 20 August, with the return matches a week later, setting a tight timetable for all involved clubs.

Overall, Thun’s path to a guaranteed European campaign contrasts sharply with the Swiss trio’s precarious quest, underscoring the divergent challenges that lie ahead.