Before sending the 2024/25 season to the archives, one knot still remains to be untied. The final of the 100th Swiss Cup between Basel and Biel is scheduled for Sunday, June 1, in Bern. On the result will depend the European fate of Lausanne (fifth in the standings) but also partially of Lugano.
CONFERENCE OR EUROPA LEAGUE
The winning of the trophy by Celestini's team, which won the championship with a 10-point lead over the second-place team, would also allow the Vaudois to detach their ticket to Europe. As for the Bianconeri, who with fourth place are guaranteed to play in the Conference League Q2, they would advance to the Europa League preliminaries.
WILL START ON JULY 22-24
In either case, Croci-Torti's team's season will start on July 22-24 with the first leg of the preliminaries, between July 25-27 the first league game will be played while July 29-31 is scheduled for the return of the Q2 Conference or Europa League.
AN UNDESERVED DRAW
The fourth-place goal was achieved with full merit. Against Young Boys Grgic and his teammates showed right from the start the will to bring home the three points. It was a pity that all the chances created were not taken advantage of and the Bernese were allowed to get the draw.
FOUR POINTS OUT OF SIX IN CORNAREDO
On the season, however, against the defending Swiss champions the balance in Cornaredo is one win and one draw, which is tight. Ball possession Saturday was favorable to the hosts (59%). The same was true for passes (452 to 311) with an accuracy rate of 82% to 76%.
MANY SHOTS BUT ONLY ONE GOAL
There were quite a few shots on both sides (13 yellow and 11 Ticino). However, the goal mirror was hit on six occasions by Lugano against the opponents' four. The locals also kicked more corner kicks: three against one.
SUPERIORITY IN CONTRASTS
Lugano's superiority was also seen in contrasts: 37 to 23 in footfights and 13 to 10 in aerial duels.
TRIPLE FOULS FOR YB
In contrast, YB committed almost three more times more foul interventions: 17 to 6. Only one cautioned and that was Papadopulos for protests.
SIXTH GOAL FOR KOUTSIAS
Greek striker Koutsias netted his sixth goal of the season. The decisive pass was provided by compatriot Papadopulos (first assist).
ALISEDA GOODBYE WITH A POLE
Ignacio Aliseda, making his last appearance in an HCL jersey, hit a glaring post in the first half. It was the Argentine's second woodwork after the one against St. Gallen in the fifth league game (another match ended 1-1). In total, Lugano players have snagged opposing goalposts on 17 occasions (against 10).
