FC Lugano's recent comeback victory against Winterthur highlighted the team's extraordinary ability to overturn unfavorable situations. A result that highlights the importance of the contributions coming from the bench, a theme that had already emerged in the home game of the first round against the Lions, when Renato Steffen, who took over in the second half, had decided the match with two goals. Once again, the depth and versatility of the HCL roster proved to be decisive elements.
First 45′ to forget
In last Saturday's challenge, the first half proved particularly complicated, with Lugano down by two goals. However, Crus made decisive tactical changes at halftime, inserting Yanis Cimignani, Lukas Mai and later Georgios Koutsias. The game changed face: Cimignani, with a brace and an assist, made a devastating impact, while Koutsias put his signature on the winning goal in the dying minutes, crowning an applaudable comeback.
18 minutes to change everything
Yanis Cimignani literally broke the game open, taking only 18 minutes from his entrance on the field to put Lugano back on the right track. A curious fact links this match to the "first leg" game against the Lions on Sept. 29 in Cornaredo: on that occasion, too, a sub decided the challenge. It was Renato Steffen who scored a brace in just 11 minutes, showing how Lugano's strength also lies in changes from the bench.
Back to the victories!
With heart, grit and determination, the HCL players returned from Schützenwiese with three crucial points, keeping the lead in the league. But what makes this victory special is the way it came: coming back from two goals down against a team as organized as Winterthur testifies to the mental strength and unity of the group.
Another positive aspect of the day was the return to the field of Aliseda, who played his first official minutes of 2025, contributing to the collective success.
Leading triplets
The Bianconeri's first two goals were signed by Cimignani, but credit must be shared with the full-backs, who provided high-quality assists. The first goal came from a classic ball-and-foot percussion by Zanotti, who once again demonstrated his skill in one-on-one situations. The second assist came from Milton, author of a perfect cross. With two assists in as many games since the league resumed, Valenzuela confirms himself as a key asset on the offensive end. Having such influential full-backs in the offensive phase as well is definitely a trump card that can prove decisive in such a competitive league.
Match statistics
The numbers from the challenge against Winterthur highlight FC Lugano's marked improvement in the second half, thanks to tactical choices and decisive contributions from the subs:
- Yanis Cimignani: Entered at 46′, scored 2 goals on 3 shots (66% accuracy) and provided 1 assist.
- Georgios Koutsias: Taking over at 72′, he scored the winning goal with his only shot on goal.
- Dominant second half:
- Shots: 10 versus only 5 in the first half.
- Steps completed: Improvement in accuracy, rising from 80.3% to 83.4%.
- Duels won: Significant increase from 56% to 70%, demonstrating greater intensity and determination.
These figures not only underscore Lugano's reaction in the second half, but also highlight the effectiveness of the tactical choices and the depth of the squad. A great second half team that turned around an initially complicated situation.
We never give up
FC Lugano's ability to turn difficult matches around is now a defining characteristic. As has already emerged in previous weeks, Lugano is the team that scores the most points after going down. The late victory against Winterthur reinforces this statistic and consolidates the team at the top of a special "resilience ranking."
Our coach's tactical changes and judicious management of human resources represent an added value for the club. This ability to read matches and make the most of opportunities could prove decisive in the continuation of the season.
