FC Noah and FC Sion served up an entertaining 2-2 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying tie on 7 August 2026. The Armenian side twice took the lead at home, but the Swiss visitors responded on each occasion to leave the tie delicately poised ahead of the second leg in Switzerland.

Match overview

This was a lively, open contest that could easily have produced more goals. FC Noah, the Armenian Premier League side, showed no fear against their more decorated Swiss opponents and took the game to Sion from the first whistle. However, Sion’s experience and quality in attack ensured they always remained in the contest, and their two away goals give them a distinct advantage heading into the return fixture.

For FC Noah, the result is a mix of pride and frustration. They matched Sion for long periods and will feel they should have held on for the win, but the two away goals conceded mean they will have to score in the second leg to keep their hopes alive.

Key moments

• Noah’s opener: The hosts took a deserved lead midway through the first half with a powerful finish from inside the box after a well-worked set-piece routine.
• Sion’s equaliser: The Swiss side hit back just before half-time, capitalising on a defensive error to restore parity.
• Noah’s second: A lightning fast break early in the second half saw Noah regain the lead and briefly silence the travelling fans.
• Sion’s late leveller: With the match ebbing away, Sion scored a clinical equaliser from a corner to make it 2-2 and shift the momentum fully in their favour.

Tactical story

FC Noah set up to press Sion high and play on the front foot, a strategy that paid off in both directions. Their high line caused Sion problems, but it also left space in behind, which the Swiss side exploited with intelligent runs. Sion, meanwhile, were content to play on the counter and use their superior physicality in set-piece situations.

The final scoreline probably reflects the balance of play. Both teams had opportunities to win the tie, but the draw leaves everything to play for in the second leg.

Standout players

• FC Noah’s attacking midfielder: The driving force behind the home side's attacking play, creating chances and scoring the opening goal.
• Sion’s central defender: A commanding presence at the back, winning almost every aerial duel and popping up with the late equaliser from a corner.
• The referees: Kept a keen eye on a physical contest, ensuring the game never boiled over despite the high stakes.

What it means

FC Sion will feel the tie is firmly in their hands thanks to the two away goals. A goalless draw in the second leg would see them through, while FC Noah must now go to Switzerland and win, or at least score at least two goals in a draw. The Armenian side have shown they have the attacking quality to hurt Sion, but they cannot afford any defensive lapses at such a crucial stage of European competition.