The champions now lead the table by three points from Basle, who were 2-0 winners at FC Thun, with six rounds remaining.

St Gallen went ahead after 20 minutes when Francisco Aguirre netted but Rafael equalised just before half-time.

David Marazzi restored the home side's lead eight minutes into the second half but Remo Staubli levelled again with 19 minutes to go.

Basle took full advantage with goals from Boris Smiljanic and Felipe Caicedo handing them victory.

Sunday's other game saw struggling Schaffhausen draw 0-0 with Lucerne who had Jose Luis Mamone dismissed.