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Elvedi and Bijol go head-to-head as Switzerland beat Slovenia
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- Elvedi and Bijol go head-to-head as Switzerland beat Slovenia
Elvedi and Bijol go head-to-head as Switzerland beat Slovenia
Nico Elvedi and Jaka Bijol both played the full 90 minutes as Switzerland came from behind to beat Slovenia 2-1 in the Nations League in Lucerne.
The Leeds United centre-backs faced each other at the Thermoplan Arena, with Elvedi lining up for the hosts and Bijol starting at the heart of Slovenia's defence.
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Slovenia made the perfect start when Žan Vipotnik opened the scoring inside two minutes, but Switzerland responded eight minutes later when Erik Janža turned the ball into his own net.
Dan Ndoye then completed the comeback before half-time, finding the net in the 38th minute to put Switzerland 2-1 ahead.
Despite Slovenia's attempts to find a way back into the contest, Switzerland held on to secure all three points and maintain their perfect start to the Nations League campaign.
Bijol produced a busy defensive display for Slovenia, recording a match-high 14 defensive contributions.
The Leeds defender made 45 touches and completed 22 passes, while also making four tackles, eight clearances, two interceptions and three recoveries.
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He was also involved in seven duels across the 90 minutes, more than any other player on the pitch.
At the opposite end, Elvedi helped Switzerland control possession from the back as the hosts dominated the ball.
The 30-year-old recorded 99 touches and completed 89 passes, while also making one block, one interception and one recovery, as well as winning four duels.
Switzerland controlled 66% of possession and finished with 13 shots to Slovenia's 10, with the victory moving them to nine points at the top of League B Group 1. Slovenia remain in second place on four points.
