Lugano take on the visitors Royale Union SG in the second leg of UEFA Europa League qualification finals. First time result: 0-2. The match will be played on Thursday, August 31st at Stade de Genève (Geneva).
Lugano have been performing quite well in recent seasons. Bianconeri reached their peak in the mid-20th century, winning all three of their championship titles. However, in the new century, they spent a long time in the Challenge League before returning to the top tier in 2015. In 2021, new American investors arrived, bringing Kroci-Torti to the coaching position. With him, they managed to win the cup last year - their first trophy since 1993. The white and black team also made it to the final in the spring but was defeated there. Nevertheless, they finished third in the Super League, which earned them a spot in the Europa League again. However, their first opponent there, a Belgian team, proved to be much stronger.
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Royale Union maintains a decent level. Les Unionistes rose to Jupiler League two years ago and immediately became the main sensation. However, experienced Brugge eventually overtook the daring contender for the top spot towards the end. In the previous season, while performing well in the Europa League, where the Belgians reached the playoffs, the team finished in third place. Despite such pleasant stability, the coach, Gerets, left in the summer after falling out over the extension of his contract. However, under his successor, Blessin, Les Apaches started the championship with three consecutive wins (although they suffered a shocking 0-4 loss to Mechelen afterwards). In the Europa League qualification, they left minimal intrigue, scoring a goal against the Swiss in each half and not conceding in return.
Both clubs have only recently returned to the top divisions of their countries, with Union having spent time in the lower leagues. So, they met on the field for the first time just last Thursday. Union have a slight advantage even on the road. However, their key focus should be on not collapsing and, consequently, not conceding. Let's go for a bet on under 2.5 goals total.
Prediction for the match: Under 2.5 scored goals.
