Lugano through to semi-finals of Continental Cup
Lugano are through to the semi-finals of ice hockey's Continental Cup, after beating Milan 3-1 on Saturday.
The canton Ticino side fought hard against their Italian neighbours, in what was their toughest game so far in the pan-European club competition. Milan were leading 1-0 as late as the thirty-ninth minute, when Aeschlimann equalised for Lugano.
His shot was followed by two more from teammates Keller and Bozon, the latter hitting an open goal. Having breezed passed Ukrainian side Sokol Kiev 3-0 in Friday’s match, Lugano led the cup table.
Sokol themselves faced Austria’s Villach on Saturday, and turned the game around to take a 7-3 win. Villach’s defeat meant Lugano were mathematically assured of top spot, and so qualified for the semi-finals in November.
Villach face Lugano on Sunday, in a game that means little more than an opportunity for the Austrians to salvage some honour.
The semis are being held in Lugano’s home canton in November, pitting reigning champions and archrivals Ambri-Piotta against the Munich Barons, Lugano, and the as-yet-undecided fourth qualifier.
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