Steffen Strike Seals Lugano’s 1-0 Conference League Win Over Dukagjini

Lugano Edge Past Dukagjini in Tense Conference League Qualifier

FC Lugano survived a late scare to beat Kosovan underdogs Dukagjini 1-0 in their UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round first leg, with Renato Steffen’s clinical first-half strike proving decisive in a match that saw the visitors finish with ten men.

Lugano Dominate But Struggle to Break Through

The Swiss side, boasting 72% possession and 24 total shots, should have put the tie to bed long before Dukagjini’s Ardian Rexhaj saw red in the 88th minute. Steffen broke the deadlock in the 31st minute, timing his run perfectly to meet Kevin Behrens’ cutback and slot past Egzon Lekaj. The goal came after Mattia Zanotti’s early yellow card had briefly unsettled the hosts, but Lugano’s superior technical quality soon told as they peppered the Kosovan goal with 11 first-half attempts.

Dukagjini’s Defiant Rearguard Action

Dukagjini’s compact 4-4-2 held firm despite relentless pressure, with Elton Basri and Egzon Sinani throwing themselves into crucial blocks. The visitors’ first yellow card, shown to Basri in the 49th minute for a cynical foul on Behrens, highlighted their physical approach. Manager A. Dallku made four second-half substitutions chasing an equaliser, but his side managed just three shots on target all night – their best chance coming when Kushtrim Gashi forced David von Ballmoos into a smart save moments before Rexhaj’s dismissal for a second bookable offence.

What This Means For Both Sides

Lugano will rue not building a more commanding lead ahead of next week’s return leg in Kosovo, where Dukagjini’s passionate home support could yet inspire an upset. The Swiss side’s wastefulness in front of goal – converting just one of seven shots on target – leaves the tie delicately poised. For the Kosovan minnows, this battling performance with ten men for the final stages proves they can compete at this level, but their lack of attacking threat remains a concern ahead of the decisive second leg.

Key Moments

31′ ⚽ FC Lugano — R. Steffen (assist: K. Behrens)

88′ 🟥 Dukagjini — A. Rexhaj sent off

🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.