Maccabi Tel Aviv and Lugano Draw in Playoff Stalemate

Maccabi Tel Aviv and FC Lugano battled to a 1-1 draw in their Conference League playoff clash, a result that leaves the tie finely balanced heading into the return fixture.

The first half saw FC Lugano's discipline tested early. A. Papadopoulos received a yellow card in the 27th minute, and matters worsened when teammate M. Zanotti picked up a second caution in the 36th minute. Zanotti's troubles continued into the second half when he was sent off in the 58th minute, leaving Lugano to defend with ten men.

Maccabi Tel Aviv capitalised on their numerical advantage in the 69th minute when D. Peretz converted a penalty to give the hosts the lead. The away side refused to surrender, however. Despite playing with a depleted squad, FC Lugano stunned Maccabi with an equaliser in the 79th minute through D. Moncada, dragging themselves back into the contest and ensuring the sides would leave Israel level.

Lugano's R. Steffen received a caution in the 68th minute, while Maccabi's M. Camara was booked in the 70th. A tense conclusion saw U. Bislimi cautioned for the visitors in the 90th minute as both teams settled for Maccabi Tel Aviv 1-1 FC Lugano.