Neuchâtel-Xamax edged past Meran 4-3 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes in the Swiss Cup Round of 64 on Friday. The match ended 0-0 through extra time, leaving the outcome to the spot-kicks. By then, both sides had tested each other without finding a decisive moment.
The shootout opened with both teams converting their first attempts. Meran and Xamax traded penalties through the middle rounds, each scoring to keep the tension intact. And here's the thing — it was the fourth round that changed everything, when Meran's taker found nothing but net while Xamax's player buried his.
Meran needed to score in the final attempt to force a fifth round but missed again. Xamax had already won, and the away end never stopped. The visitors had been patient all evening, waiting for this chance.
Meran's recent form showed a mixed picture. They had beaten Vernier and Lausanne Sport II but lost to Bavois and Bulle in their last five outings. To be fair, consistency had not been their strong point this season.
Xamax arrived in better shape. Five wins in their last six matches, including victories over Étoile Carouge and Vevey 1900, suggested a side finding its rhythm. The 2-6 defeat to Thun was an outlier.
The result means Xamax advances in the Swiss Cup while Meran's cup dream ends. Both teams will now turn their attention back to league duties with this cup exit fresh in memory.