Étoile Carouge vs Bellinzona Match Recap - Oct 31, 2025

In a crucial Challenge League showdown held on Halloween night, Étoile Carouge defeated Bellinzona 2-0 at the Stade de la Fontenette, marking a significant step forward for Carouge as they aim to escape the depths of the league standings. With both teams struggling in the lower tier, this match offered not just three points, but a lifestyle change for the clubs involved.

From the start, it was clear that Étoile Carouge, now boasting a record of 2 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses for the season, were determined to capitalize on their recent success against Bellinzona, having beaten them 3-0 earlier in the month. Despite setbacks in their last matches, including a 1-3 loss to FC Vaduz just last week, Carouge entered this encounter with a renewed sense of purpose.

The action unfolded slowly at first, with neither side finding the back of the net in the early minutes. However, the tide began to turn in the 78th minute when an unidentified Étoile Carouge player found the breakthrough goal, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The goal came as a relief after an otherwise tense match filled with missed opportunities and defensive lapses.

For Bellinzona, who are still searching for their first win of the season, this match was a bitter continuation of their struggles. Positioned at the bottom of the table with 5 points and a staggering record of 0 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses, the team seemed to be grappling with confidence. Having already faced Carouge not long ago, the pressure was immense, but they were unable to convert a number of chances into goals.

As the match neared its conclusion, Étoile Carouge struck once more in the dying moments, scoring in the sixth minute of stoppage time to seal a convincing victory. This second goal, also credited to an unidentified scorer, not only solidified the win but also highlighted Bellinzona's ongoing defensive woes, as they have now conceded multiple goals in numerous matches this season.

Reflecting on this result, it offers a glimmer of hope for Étoile Carouge as they rise to eighth place in the standings with 12 points, while further deepening Bellinzona's predicament as they remain at the bottom. After the match, the reality set in for Bellinzona, which has now gone 12 matches without a victory, leaving them in desperate need of a shakeup as they prepare for an upcoming clash with FC Aarau.

Looking ahead, Étoile Carouge will face a formidable opponent in Stade Nyonnais on November 7, while Bellinzona must regroup for their fixture against FC Aarau on November 8. The stakes are higher than ever as both teams intend to turn their fortunes around. This match proved to be significant for Carouge, who will surely carry this momentum forward, while Bellinzona must find a way to ignite a spark to salvage their season.

As an aside, my pre-match preview suggested this was a pivotal contest for both clubs, and although I may have underestimated the implications of their past encounters, the outcome has illuminated the stark contrast in potential and performance. October 31 proved to be a night of transformation, at least for Étoile Carouge. The questions linger for Bellinzona: What will it take to break the cycle, and how long can they endure this dismal run? Every match now feels like it could be the make-or-break moment for their campaign.