Lugano Edge Maccabi 2-1 in Europa Conference Thriller

FC Lugano fought back from an early second-half shock to beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-1 in a Europa Conference League playoff round thriller at Stadio Cornaredo. The Swiss side rode their luck against possession-hungry opponents but delivered when it mattered through clinical finishing and sheer stubbornness.

Lugano Strike First Through Behrens’ Precision

The Swiss side soaked up Maccabi’s early pressure before landing a sucker punch on 31 minutes. Yanis Cimignani darted down the left and cut back perfectly for Kevin Behrens, the German striker sweeping home first-time through a crowd of defenders. Lugano’s lone shot on target in the first half had found the net, their 41% possession translating into ruthless efficiency.

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Lightning Response

Kenny Miller’s side emerged transformed after the break, equalizing within two minutes of the restart. Roy Revivo’s driving run and cutback found Ido Shahar, who smashed home from 12 yards to stun the home crowd. Suddenly the Israelis’ 59% possession dominance looked set to tell, their four corners to Lugano’s zero suggesting waves of pressure ahead.

Grgic’s Ice-Cold Penalty Decides It

Just seven minutes later, Lugano were awarded a penalty after a VAR check for handball. Midfield maestro Anto Grgic stepped up, sending Ofek Melika the wrong way with a composed 54th-minute spot-kick. Against the run of play, against the possession stats, Lugano were ahead again – their only other shot on target proving decisive.

Lugano’s Gritty Final Stand

The final half-hour became a test of Lugano’s resolve as Maccabi threw on attackers Tahiru Asante and Ester Sokler. But Croci-Torti’s side dug deep, their 17 fouls testament to a physical rearguard action. When the whistle blew, Stadio Cornaredo erupted – Lugano’s unbeaten home record in Europe this season intact through sheer bloody-mindedness.

For Maccabi Tel Aviv, 87% pass accuracy counted for nothing. For Lugano, this 2-1 win means progression to the Europa Conference League group stage – and the kind of gutsy, against-the-odds victory that binds teams to their supporters forever.