The Cornaredo in Lugano currently looks more like a construction site than a football stadium. Large parts of the arena are being rebuilt; the opposing stand consists of scaffolding and barriers instead of seats. And the game between the two teams on the pitch looked like the stadium: not quite finished yet.
Many actions by both Luganesi and the guests from Vaud remained piecemeal, and successful combinations were rare. Lausanne-Sport’s 1-1 draw in the 48th minute was emblematic of the discovery phase between the two teams.
In this situation, the Luganesi wanted to play too well at the back, got in each other’s way and ultimately put goalie Amir Saipi under pressure. His attempt to free himself failed and hit Alvyn Sanches’ leg and from there into the goal.
Substitutes bring victory
Only with new forces did Lugano bring new energy into the game. After a little more than an hour, Mattia Croci-Torti had made three changes. In the 73rd minute it was substitute Yanis Cimignani who made it 2-1 for the Ticino team with a beautiful shot from around 20 meters. The template was provided by Uran Bislimi – who had also only recently come onto the pitch. Because the Lausanne team could no longer react to this setback, it was equivalent to the winning goal.
In the first half, Lugano took the lead in the 34th minute thanks to Zan Celar. Roman Macek brought a perfectly timed cross into the penalty area, where the Slovenian got to the ball quicker than Lausanne goalie Karlo Letica and headed in. A supposed offside position was checked by VAR – but the millimeters decided in Lugano’s favor.
In the end, the team that was a little further along in its development and was able to close more construction sites won. Lausanne-Sport, on the other hand, has been waiting for a victory in the Super League since matchday 4 and the 2-1 win at FC Basel.
This is how it goes
Lausanne-Sport has to get going again on Saturday, with the derby away against Servette starting at 6:00 p.m. At the same time, Lugano plays against FC Winterthur on the Schützenwiese.