The long-awaited return to the field is finally upon us: Sunday in Cornaredo comes Basel, a historic opponent and direct competitor in the fight for the top spot. A match that promises excitement and could draw an important line for the continuation of the championship.
Lugano comes to the big match with a consolidated lead in the first 18 days, but with only a one-point advantage over the chasing Rhinelanders. A match that represents much more than three points: it is a chance to prove they are ready to tenaciously defend their place at the top of the standings.
CREDIT SUISSE SUPER LEAGUE
The Bianconeri's league journey resumes on Sunday, January 19, immediately with a super match against second-ranked Basel.
After 18 days, Lugano has accumulated 31 points, a historic achievement for the club, which has never scored so many points since returning to the Credit Suisse Super League.
Looking at data and statistics, the team stands out for accuracy in ball possession. The Bianconeri lead the Credit Suisse Super League standings with a successful pass percentage of 85.6%.
On the offensive front, Renato Steffen emerges as a major player. The Aargau native occupies third place in the scorer's chart with seven goals and contributing significantly to the team's performance.
Another positive aspect is the resilience shown during matches: Lugano recovered 14 points from losing situations, showing character and determination throughout the season. No other team has scored more points than us after being at a disadvantage.
These elements highlight a promising start to the season for FC Lugano, with solid performances in both defense and offense, and a fighting mentality that bodes well for the continuation of the season.
HEAD TO HEAD
Although the overall numbers smile on Basel, the recent inertia shows an increasingly competitive Lugano capable of challenging even the most emblazoned teams.
The two teams have met 128 times. Basel has the advantage with 53 wins, compared to Lugano's 41.
Change of course. Lugano came out on top on 3 occasions, going from "easy prey" to "black beast" of the Rhinelanders.
In the last 5 home meetings, the balance is a perfect tie: 2 wins each and 1 tie.
RHINELANDERS' MOMENT OF FORM
After an up-and-down start to the season, Basel regained continuity, ending 2024 on a crescendo and placing second, just one point behind the bianconeri.
Basel scored 8 points (2 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss).
Second in the special ranking with 14 points won in 9 games away from home, a testament to their solidity away from St. Jakob-Park.
With 40 goals scored and only 19 conceded, the Rhinelanders boast the best offense and defense in the tournament.
In the off season, Basel played two friendly matches to keep up the match pace. Both won, 2-0 in stoppage time against Thun and a convincing 3-0 against Schaffhausen.
KEY PLAYERS
XHERDAN SHAQIRI
Since his return in a Rhinelander jersey, Shaqiri confirms himself as the most influential player on the roster. With 5 goals and 8 assists, he is the most prolific soccer player in the Credit Suisse Super League in terms of goal participations, followed by Bénie Traoré With 11 (6 goals and 5 assists).
KEVIN CARLOS
Kevin Carlos, formerly of Yverdon, is a key offensive reference. With 52 shots attempted, third in the league, and 43% of aerial duels won, he combines accuracy and physicality, proving a tough opponent for defenses.
LEON AVDULLAHU
Leon Avdullahu Is having an excellent season. With 90% of completed passes and a central role after the departure of Renato Veiga, excels in both interdiction and ball-and-foot output. Already on the radar of top European clubs, the young man from Solothurn is destined to become a pillar of the Swiss national team.
TRIVIA AND OTHER FACTS
