Another lucky game for Lugano, which returned from Geneva with no points, four goals to its name (an own goal and a penalty) and, above all, four balls that were well kicked into the net but did not go in because of miraculous interventions by the opposing goalkeeper or saves on the line.
AN OWN GOAL ON EACH SIDE
Balance reigned throughout the first half. Servette took the lead when it first entered the box with a cross from the left deflected into its own net off a header by Hajdari, who was struggling with Crivelli. The Bianconeri also equalized thanks to an own goal: a low center from Zanotti was deflected into the goal by Tsunemoto in an attempt to anticipate Vladi. On the final play of the half, the Grenadians took the lead again on a counterattack: Hajdari miscontrolled in midfield and Varela, kept in play by El Wafi, sprinted alone toward Osigwe and beat him.
FATAL PENALTY AND COUNTERATTACK
In the second half Lugano tried to react to the disadvantage and at 76′ could have equalized: Cimignani, on a pass from Bottani shot from the left but goalkeeper Mall performed a true miracle deflecting the ball into a corner. So about ten minutes from the end came instead the third Geneva goal: on a high cross from the left Zanotti pushed Guillemenot. Kutesa kicked the penalty, Osigwe repelled but right on the feet of the Garnet striker who was able to score. The 4-1 came in the final with ranking counterattack action and Stevanovic's ball passed between Osigwe's legs.
THREE UNFORTUNATE SITUATIONS
Lugano's best moment came after the third goal conceded. The team threw itself forward in search of the goal and it was definitely not luck, as has been the case for several weeks now. First Baron saved on the line an Aliseda conclusion destined for the goal. Immediately after that it was goalkeeper Mall and avoid capitulation on an exit on Koutsias. Finally a ball that Papadopulos was about to put into the net near the post ran into Tsunemoto's body and did not go in.
SUNDAY IN LAUSANNE
Lugano will leave immediately after the game in the direction of Ticino. After a defatiguing outing on Friday and a training session on Saturday, it will take the coach back to Romandy. Indeed, another difficult challenge on the Lausanne synthetic is scheduled for Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
SCOREBOARD: SERVETTE-LUGANO 4-1 (2-1)
NETWORKS: 9′ Hajdari (own goal), 12′ Tsunemoto (own goal), 39′ Varela, 84′ Kutesa (penalty), 90′ Stevanovic.
AMMONITES: Häberli (coach), Bislimi, Zanotti, Bottani.
SPECTATORS: 7’831
LUGANO: Osigwe, Zanotti, Papadopulos, Hajdari, El Wafi (56′ Valenzuela), Cimignani (77′ Macek) Grgic ((68′ Mahou), Doumbia (77′ Koutsias), Bislimi, Bottani, Vladi (56′ Aliseda). Unavailable: Belhadj, Mai, Saipi, Steffen.
ARBITRO: Luca Cibelli
