The turning point came with Renato Steffen. The Lugano attacker came on as a substitute in the 70th minute of the home game against Winterthur when the score was 0-1. Less than 180 seconds later, the 32-year-old was spot on when he converted a cross from Ignacio Aliseda in the center to make it 1-1 – it was Steffen’s 50th Super League goal.
Steffen shines – Lekaj flies
With the equalizer, which had not really been in sight, the Ticino team’s desire to succeed was awakened. And so it was said again in the 81st minute: Curtain up for Steffen.
This time he acrobatically plucked a steep cross from Uran Bislimi out of the air before tipping the ball past Winterthur goalie Stefanos Kapino into the goal.
The Eulachstädters didn’t set off any more offensive fireworks afterwards – also because Granit Lekaj was sent off with a yellow-red card in the 88th minute. Thanks to the complete success, Lugano sits at the top of the table together with FCZ and Lucerne (17 points each), while Winterthur continues to carry the red lantern.
Winterthur withstands Ticino’s offensive rollercoaster
Lugano started the game furiously. Already in the first minute, Anto Grgic tested Kapino with two long shots within seconds. It also became dangerous for the guests from a distance in the 21st minute when Yanis Cimignani shot – but he too was denied by Kapino.
Although the home team left their mark on the game, Winterthur also posed a threat: Basil Stillhart (13th) and Matteo Di Giusto (28th) missed the goal.
The closer the half-time whistle got, the better the guests were able to free themselves from Ticino’s grip. And in fact, shortly before the hour mark, they celebrated Labinot Bajrami’s lead (58th). Twelve minutes later, coach Mattia Croci-Torti gave his noble joker free rein – the rest is history.
This is how it continues
Lugano is challenged on the European stage during the week: on Thursday the Ticino team will host the Finnish club HJK Helsinki in Thun. The game can be seen live on SRF two from 8:40 p.m. In the championship, Lugano will be visiting FC Zurich in Letzigrund on Sunday (2:15 p.m.). Winterthur asks GC to dance the day before. You can watch the game on Saturday evening from 8:10 p.m. on SRF two.
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