FC Lugano qualifies for Conference League after draw with Maccabi Tel Aviv

FC Lugano has qualified for the UEFA Conference League league phase following a 1-1 draw against Maccabi Tel Aviv. The match, played in Batumi, Georgia, due to security concerns in Israel, saw Lugano playing with ten men from the 58th minute after Mattia Zanotti received a red card.

After falling behind to a penalty in the 69th minute, 18-year-old Honduran striker Dereck Moncada secured the draw in the 79th minute with a solo run and a strike into the upper corner of the net. This result ensures Lugano's participation in the European group stages for the first time since 2017.

Despite the achievement, Lugano coach Mattia Croci-Torti has already shifted focus toward the upcoming domestic match against Sion. The team is managing recovery following significant travel, including a late Friday return from Georgia.