JONA, Switzerland (Interstat) — Aarau opened its Challenge League season with a wild 5-4 victory over Rapperswil-Jona on Saturday at Sportstadion Grünfeld.

The match featured a frenetic first half with five goals. Substitute Shkelqim Vladi scored twice for Aarau, while Rapperswil’s Janis Lüthi also netted a first-half brace. The visitors led 3-2 at halftime.

Aarau extended its lead with second-half goals from Valon Fazliu and a double from substitute Elias Filet. Rapperswil’s Cobel Sow scored a late consolation in the 89th minute. The result defied a pregame projection that favored the home side.

Aarau begins the Swiss second-tier campaign at 1-0-0, while Rapperswil-Jona starts 0-0-1. Four yellow cards were issued in the match.