Lugano Edge Past Maccabi Tel Aviv in Conference League Playoff

FC Lugano made the breakthrough in a tight playoff encounter against Maccabi Tel Aviv, with Kristijan Behrens giving the hosts the lead midway through the first half. The Swiss side controlled possession in the opening period, and Behrens's finish rewarded their dominance, sending the home crowd behind their team ahead of the interval.

Maccabi Tel Aviv emerged with renewed purpose after the restart and quickly pulled level when Itay Shahar found the net just two minutes into the second half. The away side's equaliser shifted the momentum and raised questions about whether Lugano could regain control. Those answers came swiftly when Lugano was awarded a penalty, which Andrija Grgić converted with composure to restore the hosts' advantage. The penalty proved to be the decisive moment, moving Lugano back in front with over half an hour remaining.

From that point forward, Lugano's grip on the match tightened considerably. Grgić's goal from the spot gave the home team a psychological edge they refused to relinquish. Maccabi Tel Aviv pressed for an equaliser but found Lugano's defence increasingly resolute, and the away side's attacking threat gradually diminished as the match wore on.

The flow of the contest had essentially been determined by Grgić's penalty conversion. Lugano had shown they could absorb pressure and respond decisively, while Maccabi Tel Aviv struggled to build on their moment of parity after Shahar's leveller. The Israeli visitors created moments of concern for the hosts, yet lacked the sustained attacking potency to truly test the home goalkeeper in the closing stages.

Both teams kept their discipline throughout, with no significant cards disrupting the contest's natural rhythm. Lugano's defence managed the closing minutes without panic, holding firm even as Maccabi Tel Aviv threw bodies forward in search of another goal. The home side's ability to manage the final quarter proved crucial to securing the three points.

The victory sends Lugano through in this playoff round and represents a significant achievement in their Conference League campaign. Maccabi Tel Aviv depart with little to show for their efforts despite the character they displayed after falling behind twice. For Lugano, this win represents progression to the next stage and confirmation that their European push remains alive.