Lugano 3-2 Crvena Zvezda: Five-goal thriller ends in Swiss delight

Lugano edged a breathless five-goal contest against Crvena Zvezda, winning 3-2 at the Stadio di Cornaredo in one of the standout matches of the UEFA Europa Conference League matchday. The Swiss side twice surrendered the lead but found a late winner to claim three precious points against the Serbian giants in a game that swung from end to end.

The result is a major statement from Lugano, who showed both attacking quality and resilience against a Crvena Zvezda side packed with European experience. For the visitors, it was a night of frustration — they scored twice away from home and still came away empty-handed.

Match overview

Lugano started at a high tempo, pressing Crvena Zvezda's build-up and forcing early turnovers. Their reward came inside the opening 15 minutes, a slick move down the left ending with a finish at the near post to send the home crowd into raptures.

Crvena Zvezda responded as expected, controlling possession and probing for gaps. Their equaliser arrived before half-time through a well-placed shot from the edge of the box, and when they took the lead early in the second half with a header from a corner, the momentum appeared to have shifted decisively.

Key moments

• 13' – Lugano take the lead: A quick one-two on the left opens up the defence, and a low finish finds the far corner.
• 41' – Crvena Zvezda equalise: A measured strike from 20 yards beats the goalkeeper to level the score.
• 52' – Crvena Zvezda lead: A corner is headed home at the near post to complete the turnaround.
• 74' – Lugano level again: A substitute's driven cross is turned in at the back post as the home side respond.
• 88' – Lugano win it: A late counter-attack ends with a composed finish into the bottom corner, sending the home bench into celebration.

Tactical story

Lugano's approach was built on aggressive pressing and rapid transitions. They deliberately invited Crvena Zvezda onto them at times, then exploded forward the moment possession was won, targeting the space behind the Serbian side's advanced full-backs. Two of their three goals came from moves that began inside their own half.

Crvena Zvezda's strength was their control of the midfield, where they circulated the ball patiently and created chances through crosses and set-pieces. But their high defensive line proved costly, and Lugano's willingness to run in behind repeatedly stretched the visitors' defence in the closing stages.

Standout performers

Lugano's substitutes made a decisive impact, with the player who provided the assist for the equaliser and the scorer of the late winner both coming off the bench. Their goalkeeper also produced two important saves at 2-2 to keep the score level before the decisive goal.

For Crvena Zvezda, the midfield playmaker was their most dangerous outlet, dictating play and creating several chances, while their centre-back's headed goal briefly looked like it would be the match-winner.

What it means

The victory lifts Lugano into a promising position in the Conference League league-phase table and underlines their growing reputation in European competition. Crvena Zvezda, despite the defeat, showed enough going forward to suggest they will collect points in their remaining fixtures.

But on a night of five goals, late drama and swings of momentum, it was Lugano who showed the sharper edge — and they will remember this win for a long time.