GABRIEL Sigua's goal helped Lausanne achieve their first-ever victory against an Italian team and secured them ninth place in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League. This win marked Lausanne's return to knockout European football for the first time since 1982, as they defeated a discouraged Fiorentina 1-0.
Image/FC Lausanne
Lausanne had scored all five of their league phase goals this season before halftime, so a lackluster and goalless first half was a problem for the home team.
Even though heavy fog rolled in at the Stade de la Tuiliere, it didn't change much for the spectators watching the first half.
Moments of excitement were rare.
Among the few chances created, most were for Lausanne, but neither Sekou Fofana nor Theo Bair could make the right moves to score.
A bold backheel by Bair set Fofana free, but the full-back shot wide from a tough angle.
Ten minutes later, Bair missed a good opportunity from eight yards out after a cross from the right wing, wasting what was the best chance of the first half.
In the second half, Lausanne played better and deservedly took the lead just before the hour mark.
The move started with Enzo Kana-Biyik, who dribbled to the byline.
The on-loan Manchester United player then delivered a beautiful cross to the back post, which Sigua headed into the net past Tommaso Martinelli in Fiorentina's goal.
Fiorentina, again struggling, had Beyatt Lekweiry running freely into the box, but the Mauritanian was brilliantly stopped by an outstretched Martinelli.
Although it might not save Paolo Vanoli's job, Fiorentina left Switzerland with some respect, as smart saves from Karlo Letica led to another loss, sealing their 16th-place finish in the league phase.