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LIVE STREAMING: FC LUGANO - SK STURM GRAZ 1

Close to equalizing, but Sturm holds out

Lugano took the field against SK Sturm Graz for the first friendly match of 2025, straight from our retreat in Marbella. It was a special occasion to see the boys in action against a team of great football tradition, after the first days of great physical work.

📺 If you missed the game watch it again on our Youtube channel And relive all the excitement of this challenge! 

HIGHLIGHTS

 
THE FORMATIONS.
LAUGH (4-3-3): 58 Osigwe; 2 Brault-Guillard, 17 Mai, 5 Hajdari, 26 Marques; 8 Grgic, 20 Doumbia (C), 25 Bislimi; 18 Mahou, 11 Steffen, 9 Vladi. 
Coach: Mattia Croci-Torti.
 
STURM GRAZ (4-4-2): 53 Khudyakov, 35 Geyhofer, 23 Malic, 47 Aiwu, 24 Lavalee, 21 Chukwuani, 14 Zvonarek, 25 Hierlander, 8 Yalcouye, 38 Grgic, 20 Jatta.
Coach: Jurgen Saumel

THE MATCH.

 

IT'S BEGINNING! 

 

DIFFICULTY AND REACTION

After a complicated start, our boys gradually took control of the game, even creating a couple of dangerous chances. Prominent among them were Brault-Guillard's initiative in the fifth minute and Vladi's shot shortly after, which was skillfully repelled by goalkeeper Khudyakov.

HARD-FOUGHT GAME 

After a more agitated start to the game, the teams found their balance, resulting in an intense confrontation on every ball. Prominent among the protagonists was Mahou, who was particularly active on the left flank, where he continued to trouble the Austrian rearguard with his initiatives.

 

FIRST GOAL OF THE GAME

It was Sturm Graz who unlocked the result, taking advantage of a moment of inattention by the HCL defense. The opposing number 38 found himself face-to-face with Osigwe and made no mistake, sealing the first goal of the match.

AUSTRIAN FORCING

In the last 5 minutes of the first half, Sturm Graz increased the pressure, creating several dangerous chances. Osigwe overcomes himself in the 41st minute with a decisive intervention, keeping the score at 0-1.

FIRST 45 MINUTES 

The first half ended with Sturm Graz leading by one goal. The bianconeri, however, were able to impose themselves for large stretches, although they were unable to create resounding scoring chances.

SECOND HALF.

Bitter resumption for Lugano

The Crus revolutionized the lineup, leaving only Grgic on the field. Prominent among the new additions is the debut in an HCL jersey for Koutsias.

However, the resumption began on a jarring note: an own goal by Cimignani, on an inaccurate back pass, forced Fotios to pick up the ball from the back of the net, putting Sturm Graz up 2-0.

HCL CHARACTER

After the initial shock, the bianconeri showed their usual ability to react, although they were unable to find the net to shorten the distance. The performance of captain Bottani stands out, who continues to create danger with his technique.

In the 65th, he procured a free kick on the edge of the area, from whose execution came an insidious shot by Cimignani, which was repelled with difficulty by the Sturm Graz defense already near the goal line.

Koutsias shortens the gap

The character and tenacity of the bianconeri finally find the right reward. In the 71st minute, an excellent insertion by Belhadj under the goal allows him to serve Koutsias, who makes no mistake and scores his first goal in the HCL jersey.

Final assault and bad luck

The goal instilled confidence in our boys, who in the final phase of the game pushed Sturm Graz close to their own area, thanks in part to the insertion of Przybylko.

In the 81st minute Koutsias comes close to equalizing, giving the illusion of a goal with a shot that hits the inside of the post. Unfortunately, the rebound is not in favor of the Bianconeri, and the Austrians' goalkeeper blocks the ball.

Defeat with positive signs

The match ended in a 2-1 victory for Sturm Graz, but the Crus boys showed an excellent overall performance. All that was lacking was a bit of cynicism under the goal to materialize the numerous chances created.

On the right track

Tomorrow the Bianconeri will be engaged in a double training session, at 09:30 and 16:00, to better prepare for Friday's friendly against Cologne at 12:30. 

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