Leaders Lugano’s 2025 season began with a draw. In a match that went in flurries, the Bianconeri also dreamed of full potential, but in the end the debut of the second part of the championship against Basel ended at 2-2. The ranking therefore remains practically unchanged with the Ticino team remaining in command at +1 over their opponents of the day and over Lausanne.
In the first after the break Croci-Torti put their trust in Vladi up front with Bottani and Steffen (fresh from renewal) in support. The start was nothing short of explosive with Kevin Carlos who after just a handful of seconds had the chance to put his team forward but hit the post. The shock woke up the Bianconeri who took control of the game, raising their center of gravity and trying to create opportunities, even if as the minutes passed it became clear that this imbalance left the team at risk of being overrun. And so it was. After a few “test” shots, the Rhinelands took the lead in the 24th minute with the aforementioned Carlos launched into the goal by a quick free kick from Shaqiri. However, following the lead, Basel dropped back and the Sottocenerini started pushing again. In the 45th minute the usually inexhaustible Zanotti launched into the net was knocked out by Schmid (who had already been booked and then replaced during the break…), winning a brilliant penalty converted by Grgic for a deserved equalizer just before the half-time whistle.
Coming back in the second half on the mantle of Cornaredo (who appeared in poor condition) Lugano, almost a photocopy of their opponents, had a sensational opportunity after a few minutes with a post from Belhadj (with a decisive touch from Hitz) followed by a daring crossbar. However, the curses for the bad luck didn’t last long, with Hajdari scoring the 2-1 in the 53rd minute after a brilliant cross from Valenzuela. To try to overcome the disadvantage, Celestini then inaugurated the round of changes, which saw the arrival of Mahou, Doumbia and the debutant Koutsias at Lugano. However, general tiredness favored spaces and both teams created scoring opportunities, with a crossbar from Traoré on one side and a “sure shot” shot from Mahou that ended up in the arms of Hitz. However, the rossoblù’s desperate attacks paid off in the end with a penalty scored by Shaqiri after a running contact by Valenzuela on Traoré.
-Related to Sport and Music 19.01.2025
Swiss
