Championship leaders Lugano lost their match against Sion, 3-2, in the 16th round of the Swiss national football league. Grasshoppers were more efficient, returning home with 3-2 victory against Lucerne.

Lugano dominated early play at Tourbillon stadium, scoring the first two goals of the game thanks to Rossi and Gaspoz in the 13th and the 22nd minutes. Sion did not wait for any further blows, Grichting pulling a goal back in the 26th minute.

In the second half, the Valais team dominated play, scoring two goals that meant victory against the championship leaders. Tum in the 51st and Baubonne in the 80th gave local supporters reason to cheer their favourite team, which had come close to being declared bankrupt earlier in the week.

In Lucerne, Grasshoppers bided their time before defeating the local team 3-2. They conceded early penalty in the first half, and were never able to catch up before the break.

In the second half, Grasshoppers started thier charge, drawing even in the 51st minute thanks to Petric. But Kehrli put the locals back in front just one minute later.

A Hakan Yakin goal in the 69th minute meant the Zurich club was once again even with Lucerne. Six minutes later, Petric once again scored, sealing the victory for Grasshoppers.

The Zurich side's win has brought them closer to the top of the league ladder. Lugano still lead the championship with 31 points, but their loss against Sion puts Grasshoppers within just two.

All the other top league clubs play their games on Sunday.

swissinfo with agencies

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative