In a thrilling National League encounter, SC Bern claimed a hard-fought victory against EHC Biel-Bienne, winning 6-5 in a penalty shootout after a rollercoaster match. The Berner Derby provided non-stop action, with both teams trading blows and delivering a memorable performance for fans.
Key Takeaways
- SC Bern won the derby 6-5 in a penalty shootout.
- The game featured 10 goals during regular play, ending 5-5.
- Bern scored two early powerplay goals to take a 2-0 lead.
- Biel-Bienne staged a remarkable comeback, leading 5-4 in the third period.
- Romain Loeffel scored the equalizer for Bern with only seven seconds left.
Intense Start to the Berner Derby
The atmosphere at the Tissot Arena was electric from the opening face-off. Both teams started with high intensity, leading to early penalties. Louis Füllemann and Yanick Sablatnig each received two-minute penalties, creating immediate powerplay opportunities.
SC Bern capitalized first. In the eighth minute, Victor Ejdsell delivered a precise pass to Marc Marchon, who then fed Waltteri Merelä. Merelä found the back of the net, giving Bern a 1-0 lead. This early goal set the tone for the visitors.
Quick Fact
SC Bern scored their first two goals during powerplay situations, highlighting their efficiency with the man advantage.
Ejdsell Extends Bern's Lead
Just moments later, Ejdsell himself extended Bern's advantage. Again on the powerplay, he fired a wrist shot from the blue line, making it 2-0. Despite several chances for Biel, Bern maintained their lead through the first period.
A minor scuffle between Nolan Cattin and Tristan Scherwey after the first-period buzzer added to the derby's fiery nature, resulting in two-minute penalties for each player. The first period concluded with SC Bern leading 2-0.
Biel-Bienne Fights Back in a Goal-Filled Second Period
SC Bern started the second period with momentum. In the 21st minute, Romain Loeffel intercepted a pass and unleashed a powerful shot from the blue line, scoring Bern's third goal. The score stood at 3-0, seemingly giving Bern a comfortable lead.
However, EHC Biel-Bienne refused to surrender. Niklas Blessing scored in the 25th minute, reducing the deficit to 3-1. The home crowd erupted, sensing a shift in momentum.
Derby History
The Berner Derby between EHC Biel-Bienne and SC Bern is one of the most anticipated matchups in the National League, known for its intense rivalry and passionate fan bases.
Untersander's Own Goal Sparks Biel's Comeback
A crucial moment came shortly after, with an own goal credited to Ramon Untersander, bringing Biel-Bienne even closer at 3-2. The game's pace quickened, and emotions ran high.
Emil Bemström responded swiftly for Bern, restoring a two-goal lead at 4-2. Yet, Biel's determination shone through. Haas scored in the 31st minute, making it 4-3 and keeping the home team firmly in contention. The Tissot Arena was buzzing with excitement.
"The Tissot Arena was boiling. The game gained momentum, chances, and emotions – it was an incredible spectacle for everyone present."
Dramatic Third Period and Overtime Thrills
The final period saw Biel-Bienne complete their remarkable comeback. Johnny Kneubuehler tied the game at 4-4 in the 47th minute, sending the home fans into a frenzy. The momentum had clearly shifted in favor of the Seelanders.
Just a few minutes later, Lias Andersson scored to give Biel-Bienne their first lead of the night, making it 5-4. It appeared the home team was on their way to a stunning victory. However, SC Bern showed incredible resilience.
Late Game Heroics
SC Bern scored their equalizing goal with only seven seconds remaining in regular time, forcing overtime.
Loeffel's Last-Second Equalizer
In the final minute, with the clock winding down, Bern pressed hard. Following a face-off near Harri Säteri's net, Romain Loeffel scored the crucial equalizer with just seven seconds left in regulation. The game was tied at 5-5, sending it into overtime.
Overtime provided more heart-stopping moments, but neither team could secure the winning goal. Marchon had a clear chance on Säteri late in overtime, but the opportunity went unfinished. Rodwin Dionicio delivered a beautiful backhand pass to Toni Rajala, but the goalies remained dominant.
Penalty Shootout Decides the Winner
With no decision in overtime, the game proceeded to a penalty shootout. The tension was palpable as players took their turns against the opposing netminders.
The Bernese players displayed composure under pressure. Victor Ejdsell ultimately converted the decisive penalty shot, securing the extra point for SC Bern. Biel-Bienne's shooters showed strong nerves but could not beat the Bernese defense and Harri Säteri.
This dramatic 6-5 victory in the shootout gives SC Bern a crucial additional point in the National League standings, marking a memorable derby win against their rivals.
- Final Score: SC Bern 6, EHC Biel-Bienne 5 (SO)
- Key Player: Victor Ejdsell with an early goal and the decisive penalty.
- Game Highlights: Two powerplay goals, an own goal, and a last-second equalizer.