Maccabi Tel Aviv and Lugano shared the spoils in a Conference League playoff play-off at Batumi Arena, the match ending 1:1 on 27th August 2026. The two sides had met just seven days earlier in Switzerland, where Lugano had taken a 2:1 victory, so this was an immediate rematch on neutral ground. And here's the thing — the Israeli side dominated the statistics but could only earn a point from a game that swung on a single decision.
Dor Peretz ended Maccabi's barren run from the penalty spot in the 69th minute, converting after the visitors had been reduced to ten men. Mattia Zanotti had been shown two yellow cards in quick succession at 58 minutes, first booking his caution and then his dismissal in the same moment. The penalty changed the complexion of the match, though Lugano held firm rather than crumble under pressure.
Substitutions came thick and fast after Zanotti's sending-off. K. Behrens and D. Dos Santos went off for Maccabi at 63 minutes, followed by T. Asante and E. Sokler at 65. Lugano responded with I. Shahar and R. Steffen at 82 minutes, while A. Papadopoulos was also replaced in that same window. The changes reflected a match that had become scrappy and open.
Diego Moncada found the equaliser in the 79th minute, levelled the score after Maccabi had controlled much of the territory. The Israeli side registered 7 shots on target against 2 for the visitors, yet the difference in expected goals told a different story — 2.28 to 0.56. By then it was clear that Lugano had been efficient with what little they were given.
The statistics showed Maccabi's superiority in almost every column: 59 per cent possession, 112 attacks compared to 92, and 4 big chances created against none for the visitors. Lugano made 28 clearances to 7, suggesting they had spent much of the game defending. The Swiss side completed 293 passes to 533, a gap that reflected the territorial imbalance.
The draw keeps Maccabi's European campaign alive, though they will know they should have taken more from a match where they controlled the tempo. Lugano have now played both teams — Maccabi and VfB Stuttgart — and hold a point from two games after their opening victory. To be fair, the Swiss side earned what they got, even if the numbers made it look easier for the hosts.