Smoke on the water: The Lake Leman derby. FC Lausanne-Sport vs Servette FC.

Words: Maxime Michelet

Images: Maxime Michelet

For my first article for Terrace Edition, and as a Lausanner, it was important for me to tell you about the 198th Lake Leman derby (I’m forbidden from writing Lake of Gen…!), which pitted the Genevans of Servette FC against the Lausanners of Lausanne-Sports.

This Lake Leman derby, one of the classics of Swiss football, has had its share of glories and setbacks, notably due to the bankruptcy of both teams in 2003 for LS, and 2004 for SFC.

From the stands, the rivalry was good-natured but the provocations against the Bleu et Blanc have increased, as evidenced by the offensive tags, and the vengeful banners released in December 2023; or the trapped smoke bomb (lit under the Lausanne away sector), and the pyroshow, with a “FCK LOZ” (Loz is the slang name for Lausanne) in March 2024.

To dive into this Derby du Lac, the appointment is set for 11 am on the Place St Laurent, a square located in the city centre. It is at midnight that the procession rejoins the stadium of La Tuilière.

Maxime Michelet. FC Lausanne-Sport vs Servette FC. Switzerland.

The insults towards the Genevans increase and blue and white smokers are lit up.

There is only half an hour left before kick-off, when a firecracker pops in the sky, announcing the arrival of the 1500 Genevans.

Insults flow against some isolated Lausanners, flares glow and the procession can join the away-section.

Do I need to point out that the games in Lausanne have a certain feature? Indeed, the away-fans, very often walk from the station, and must pass behind the local’s curve!

The players enter the field, a diamond-shaped tifo representing a KSL’s sticker is deployed and,a large banner is unfurled ("By your side without ever giving up"), while another tifo representing an eagle and a key (the coat of arms of the City of Calvin), hides the part of Section Grenat and Les Plus Malins (The Smartest, another ultras group created in 2022).

White and yellow flares accompany the display and the spectators blocked by the corteo continue to enter the curve, while some remain at the entrance to find a place. The atmosphere begins to rise, with relatively loud chants, while a real fireworks display (torches, rockets, smoke bombs) lights up the sky and the Genevans sector.

Against all expectations, the LS players, strong from their last three consecutive victories after a disappointing start in July, stifled the Servettiens, creating few goal opportunities.

The pressure led to a penalty after a quarter of an hour of play, converted by Belgian defender Noé Dussenne, causing a real bonfire in the Kop Sud Lausanne.

©Maxime Michelet/ Terrace Edition. Tribune Nord Genève at FC Lausanne-Sport.

You can find Maxine on Instagram: @max_mich.loz

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