The results in St. Gallen were not correct at all recently. After a great start to the season in the Super League and qualification for the league phase of the Conference League, there were only two wins from the last 15 games across all competitions. The exit from the cup against lower-class Bellinzona was followed by a draw against Basel on Sunday, in which the victory was given away by the majority.
There was also a setback in the Conference League recently. After losing two games at the start and the mandatory win at Larne in Northern Ireland, the only result was a 2-2 draw against Backa Topola in front of the home crowd. The Eastern Swiss found themselves in 25th place before the second to last round. A placement among the top 24 teams entitles you to the knockout phase.
The first home win in a European Cup league or group phase in more than ten years would come in handy. However, the task will not be easy. With Vitoria Guimarães, a team is visiting Eastern Switzerland that occupies 6th place in the Portuguese league, is still unbeaten in the Conference League and eliminated FCZ in the 3rd qualifying round with an overall score of 5-0.
“The roles are clearly assigned,” says Enrico Maassen. Nevertheless, St. Gallen’s coach believes there are chances. “They define themselves by possession of the ball and play well-groomed football. We have to catch them in the transition game, I see our options there.”
Top game in Warsaw
Lugano has a no less difficult task ahead of them. The leaders of the Super League are visiting Legia Warsaw. The Poles are flawless in the Conference League and are the only team who have not yet conceded a goal.
Lugano has no pressure. Thanks to three wins, the Ticino team is clearly on course for the knockout rounds. Coach Mattia Croci-Torti’s team is in 8th place, which is the last to qualify for direct qualification for the round of 16. In St. Gallen there are five points reserve.
In addition, Lugano has an easier task on paper in the last game. The Bianconeri finally welcome the Cypriot club Pafos, St. Gallen has to go to Heidenheim.
Swiss
