And then there were two?

Lugano goalscorers Türkyilmaz (left) and Giminez helped keep the Ticinese dream alive Keystone

A 4-1 defeat in Lugano has virtually ended St Gallen's hopes of defending their Swiss football league title, leaving Lugano and Grasshoppers Zurich to battle it out for the championship with just one match each to go.

Grasshoppers enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win over Sion to take them top of the Swiss league table for the first time this season. The Zurich side are the only team whose title bid remains firmly in their own hands – a win in St Gallen next Saturday would guarantee them the championship.

Lugano, who are now in second place, two points behind Grasshoppers, must win away in Sion and hope Grasshoppers slip up if they are to take the big prize.

St Gallen’s chances are not yet completely over, but Marcel Koller’s team would have to beat Grasshoppers and then wait to see if Sion can pull off an unexpected win over Lugano.

While a question mark still hangs over this year’s championship title, the weekend’s action has at least answered all issues relating to relegation and promotion.

Aarau ensured that they will be remaining in the top division after completing a 2-0 win on Sunday over the already-promoted Young Boys of Bern.

Aarau’s success has brought about the downfall of Yverdon, though. Despite a 1-0 win away to Winterthur, the side from canton Aargau must now return to the second division after two years in the top flight.

Ironically, Aargau’s miserable form in the league this season has been accompanied by some dazzling cup performances which have earned them a place in next month’s Swiss Cup final. They will now be clear underdogs for the showdown in Basel against Servette Geneva.

swissinfo with agencies