Bujar Pllana scores in 96th minute as Grasshoppers draw 2-2 with FC Zurich in 295th derby

Late equaliser seals derby draw

The 295th Zurich derby ended in a 2-2 draw between Grasshopper Club Zurich and FC Zurich in the seventh round of the Swiss Super League. Playing before more than 17,000 spectators at the Letzigrund, Grasshoppers secured a point with the final action of the match. In the 96th minute, winger Samuel Krasniqi curled a free kick to the far post, where defender Bujar Pllana headed in his first Super League goal. GC captain Amir Abrashi, aged 36, completed his third full match within seven days to anchor the midfield alongside Manex Guibelalde. The draw prevented FC Zurich from recording an eleventh win in the past 14 city derbies.

Missed chances and a rapid restart

Grasshoppers controlled the first half under manager Peter Zeidler but failed to convert several clear scoring opportunities. Nicolas Muci and Samuel Krasniqi both missed chances inside the opening seven minutes, setting a pattern of missed opportunities for GC. FC Zurich threatened in the 19th minute when Miguel Reichmuth struck the post, while FCZ goalkeeper Silas Huber produced saves against Muci and Samuele Bengondo before the interval. Krasniqi reflected on the missed chances in a halftime interview with SRF.

We have to become much more efficient.

FC Zurich coach Marcel Koller substituted defender Alexander Hack at halftime following defensive errors. The adjustment paid off in the 54th minute when Kevin Spadanuda finished an assist from Bledian Krasniqi to put FCZ ahead. Grasshoppers equalised four minutes later, with Samuel Krasniqi capitalising on an error by league debutant Doron Lichtenstein.

Penalty drama and shifting leads

GC had an opportunity to take the lead in the 65th minute after referee Johannes von Mandach awarded a penalty. Spadanuda pulled the shirt of Guibelalde inside the area, but substitute Giotto Morandi struck the woodwork with the spot kick.

FC Zurich regained the lead in the 80th minute when Umeh Emmanuel scored his third goal of the season after Damienus Reverson set him up following a throw-in. Grasshoppers pressed until Krasniqi drew a foul from Lichtenstein on the flank deep into added time, creating the opening for Pllana's header. Elsewhere in round seven, Vaduz defeated Lausanne-Sport 3-1 and Young Boys drew 3-3 with Luzern.

Pre-match contract termination

Prior to kickoff, Koller confirmed that FC Zurich had reached an agreement to immediately terminate the contract of striker Juan Jose Perea. The forward had been suspended following an altercation in the dressing room after FCZ's victory against Lausanne-Sport. Koller detailed the incident that led to the termination during a pre-match interview.

We won the game in Lausanne and showed a good performance. Then we went into the dressing room, then he took me by the arm and got loud. He demanded that he should have played. I countered that this is not his job and he does not get to decide that.

Perea had joined FC Zurich in the summer of 2025, recording nine goals across 54 appearances for the club before his departure.