The Arena Thun was the scene of a crucial match for Lugano, engaged in the 6th matchday of the UEFA Conference League against the Cypriots of Pafos. The Bianconeri, chasing a point to guarantee direct access to the round of 16, ended the match at 2-2, still achieving their objective.
Dancing start
The match opens with an unfortunate episode for Lugano: in the 5th minute, a shot from Pepe hits the post and bounces off Saipi’s back, causing an own goal. The reaction of the Bianconeri was not long in coming. After sustained action on the right, Zanotti breaks through the opposing defense and serves Belhadjwho scored the equalizer in the 7th minute.
High pace and opportunities on both sides
Pafos responds with determination, challenging Saipi on a dangerous shot Tankovic to the 15th. Valenzuela stands out with a spectacular action, but the shot of Bottani is neutralized by the opposing goalkeeper. The teams faced each other head on, alternating dangerous actions until the 2-1 goal scored by Bottani in the 33rd, good at exploiting a favorable rebound generated by Zanotti’s excellent initiative.
Neve and the Cypriot pressing
With the arrival of the snow, Pafos increases the pressure. First Tankovic who shoots high, and then Dragomir he wastes a free kick from close range in injury time of the first half, leaving the result 2-1 for Lugano.
Many opportunities, few goals
After the break, the Cypriots returned to the field determined and in the 47th minute they immediately found the equaliser, which was canceled out by the referee due to a foul in the area. In the 55th minute, Lugano wastes a sensational opportunity with Steffenwho shoots high following an excellent move orchestrated by Bottani.
The Bianconeri grow in the second half of the half: first Belhadj a header is missed, then a patiently constructed move leads the midfielder to miss another great opportunity. Przybylkowho took over in the second half, served an excellent ball for Marques, who had also recently come on, but the Portuguese was unable to find the net to make it 3-1.
Final mockery, but goal achieved
In the 95th minute, from a free kick taken from 35 metres, gold he scores the equalizer with his head, extinguishing Juventus’ hopes of a victory. Despite the disappointment, the draw guarantees Lugano 6th place in the group, sufficient for direct access to the Conference League round of 16.
A historic achievement
Lugano closes an extraordinary group stage, with a path that takes them to the next stage, among the best 16 teams in the competition. A result that confirms the club’s growth on the European scene and gives fans a reason to dream. The appointment is now set for March, when the Bianconeri will take the field to write another page in their history.
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