FC Thun
FC Thun and Lech Poznan shared the spoils in a breathless 2-2 draw in the UEFA Europa League play-offs, setting up a tantalising second leg in Poland.
Lech Poznan Struck First
The visitors started brightly and opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Luis Palma’s deft through ball found right-back Robert Gumny surging forward, and he coolly slotted past Tim Spycher to give Lech Poznan the lead.
FC Thun Hit Back with Two Quick Goals
But the Swiss side responded brilliantly. In the 22nd minute, Simon Lengen capitalised on some hesitant defending to fire home Furkan Dursun’s cross-cum-shot and bring FC Thun level.
The hosts then completed the turnaround just before half-time. Nico Maier’s clever run and pass released Dursun, who kept his composure to slot past Mateusz Lis and send the Swiss Stadium into raptures.
Second Half Substitutions Changed the Game
Both managers shuffled their packs in an attempt to seize control of the tie. FC Thun made five changes, while Lech Poznan also rung in the changes.
The substitutions paid dividends for the Polish side. In the 68th minute, Patryk Walemark – who had only entered the fray moments earlier – latched onto Mateusz Lis’s long ball and fired emphatically past Spycher to restore parity.
Both Sides Push for Winner
As legs tired, the game opened up and both teams went in search of a winner. But despite late pressure, neither side could find a decisive third goal.
The draw leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg in Poznan next week. FC Thun will rue missing the chance to take a lead back to Poland, while Lech Poznan showed commendable spirit to recover from conceding twice in the first half.
With pride and a place in the Europa League group stage at stake, the second leg promises to be every bit as pulsating as this thrilling first instalment.
Key Moments
17′ ⚽ Lech Poznan — R. Gumny (assist: L. Palma)
22′ ⚽ FC Thun — S. Lengen (assist: F. Dursun)
43′ ⚽ FC Thun — F. Dursun (assist: N. Maier)
68′ ⚽ Lech Poznan — P. Walemark (assist: M. Lis)
