Pyunik vs Tre fiori: Resumen

In a pulsating UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying second leg, "Pyunik FA" mounted an impressive comeback to overcome "Tre Fiori FC" 3-1 at the Vazgen Sargsyan anvan Hanrapetakan Marzadasht, securing their passage to the next round with a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Facing a one-goal deficit from the first leg in San Marino, the Armenian champions started with clear intent before a passionate home crowd in Yerevan. The atmosphere was electric as over 12,000 fans created a cauldron of noise, with drums and chants echoing throughout the stadium.

Yusuf Otubanjo emerged as the hero for the hosts, netting twice in a performance that demonstrated why he's been such a crucial player for Pyunik. His clinical finishing made the difference on a night where the Armenian side dominated possession but were constantly threatened by Tre Fiori's dangerous counter-attacks.

This result propels "Pyunik FA" into the third qualifying round where tougher opposition awaits, while "Tre Fiori FC" will rue missed opportunities to kill the tie, particularly in a tense final twenty minutes. The San Marinese side, despite the disappointment, can take pride in their overall European campaign, having initially shocked the Armenians in the first leg.

The victory represents a significant moment for Armenian football in European competition, with Pyunik demonstrating resilience and tactical acumen to overcome their first-leg setback.

"We showed tremendous character tonight. After the disappointment of the first leg, we knew we had to be patient but aggressive. The early goal settled our nerves, and I'm particularly pleased with how we managed the game after taking the lead. Yusuf was exceptional, but this was truly a team victory," said "Pyunik FA" coach Eghishe Melikyan.

"The atmosphere was incredible. We felt the energy from our supporters from the first minute, and it gave us the extra push we needed. We always believed we could turn this around at home," commented Yusuf Otubanjo, who scored twice for Pyunik.

"We are naturally disappointed. We came so close to making history for our club. The early goal affected our gameplan, and we struggled to regain control after that. Credit to Pyunik - they showed their quality today. This experience will make us stronger for future European campaigns," reflected "Tre Fiori FC" coach Danilo Girolomoni.

"The tie was decided by small margins. We had our chances even today to score more and progress, but we lacked the clinical edge in the final third. The atmosphere was unlike anything we've experienced before," admitted Matteo Manfroni, who scored Tre Fiori's only goal.

"Pyunik demonstrated why they've been so dominant in Armenian football. Their ability to raise their level when needed is impressive. Tre Fiori can be proud of their efforts across both legs, but ultimately the better team progressed," analyzed UEFA technical observer Stefan Kuntz.

Possession: "Pyunik FA" 61% - 39% "Tre Fiori FC"

Shots on Target: "Pyunik FA" 8 - 3 "Tre Fiori FC"

Total Shots: "Pyunik FA" 17 - 9 "Tre Fiori FC"

Corners: "Pyunik FA" 9 - 2 "Tre Fiori FC"

Fouls Committed: "Pyunik FA" 11 - 14 "Tre Fiori FC"

Yellow Cards: "Pyunik FA" 2 (Avagyan, Islamović) - 3 "Tre Fiori FC" (Rea, Vandi, Sirri)

Red Cards: None

Individual Performances:

Yusuf Otubanjo (Pyunik): 2 goals, 4 shots on target, 88% pass completion

Henri Avagyan (Pyunik): 93% pass completion, 7 ball recoveries, 1 assist

Matteo Manfroni (Tre Fiori): 1 goal, 2 shots on target, 3 successful dribbles

Federico Benedettini (Tre Fiori): 5 saves, 2 high claims

Team Indicators:

"Pyunik FA" dominated the midfield battle with 134 completed passes in the opposition half compared to Tre Fiori's 67. The Armenian side also pressed effectively, winning possession in the attacking third 9 times. "Tre Fiori FC" demonstrated resilience in defense, making 26 clearances and 11 blocks throughout the match, showing their determination despite being under sustained pressure for long periods.

7' - GOAL! (1-0) - Perfect start for "Pyunik FA" as Yusuf Otubanjo equalizes on aggregate with a clinical finish after Henri Avagyan's precise through ball splits the Tre Fiori defense. The stadium erupts as the hosts draw level in the tie.

23' - SAVE! - Federico Benedettini produces a spectacular diving save to deny Sead Islamović's curling effort from 20 yards. "Tre Fiori FC" hanging on as Pyunik dominate the early proceedings.

41' - GOAL! (2-0) - Marius Noubissi increases Pyunik's lead with a powerful header from Gevorg Tarakhchyan's pinpoint cross. The Armenian side now leads 2-1 on aggregate as half-time approaches.

54' - TACTICAL CHANGE - Danilo Girolomoni makes a double substitution for "Tre Fiori FC", switching from a defensive 5-3-2 to a more attacking 4-3-3 formation in search of an away goal.

67' - GOAL! (2-1) - Against the run of play, Matteo Manfroni silences the home crowd with a spectacular volley from Paolo Vandi's cross. The tie is now level at 2-2 on aggregate, with "Tre Fiori FC" ahead on away goals.

78' - GOAL! (3-1) - Drama in Yerevan! Yusuf Otubanjo scores his second of the night with a composed finish after a defensive error by Alex Sirri. "Pyunik FA" now leads 3-2 on aggregate with just over ten minutes remaining.

86' - CHANCE! - Heart-stopping moment for the hosts as Mario Ferri's header crashes against the crossbar. "Tre Fiori FC" inches away from a goal that would have sent them through on away goals.

Prior to this qualifying tie, "Pyunik FA" and "Tre Fiori FC" had never met in European competition, making this an intriguing first encounter between clubs from Armenia and San Marino.

Across the two legs, the statistical dominance belonged to Pyunik, who registered a total of 31 shots to Tre Fiori's 17, and enjoyed 60% possession overall. However, the San Marinese side demonstrated remarkable efficiency, scoring twice from just 8 shots on target across both matches.

The key individual battle proved to be between Pyunik's attacking spearhead Yusuf Otubanjo and Tre Fiori's defensive lynchpin Alex Sirri. While Otubanjo ultimately prevailed with his crucial brace in the second leg, Sirri's 9 clearances, 4 blocks and 3 interceptions across both matches highlighted his importance to the visitors' defensive resilience.

In midfield, Henri Avagyan's control for Pyunik contrasted with the more direct approach of Paolo Vandi for Tre Fiori, reflecting the tactical differences between the sides. Avagyan completed 137 passes across the two legs compared to Vandi's 74, but the latter's vertical passing created several dangerous opportunities for the San Marinese outfit.

This tie serves as an interesting benchmark for both nations in European competition, with Armenia's champions eventually asserting their higher status against a determined San Marino side that pushed them to the limit across 180 minutes of competitive football.

This qualifying match has significant implications for both clubs in their UEFA Europa Conference League journey.

"Pyunik FA" advances to the third qualifying round of the competition, where they will face stiffer opposition from larger European leagues. Their progression maintains Armenia's improving coefficient in UEFA competitions, vital for securing additional European spots for the Armenian Premier League in future seasons.

Despite their elimination, "Tre Fiori FC's" performances across both legs have earned valuable coefficient points for San Marino, one of Europe's lowest-ranked football nations. Their first-leg victory marked a historic moment for San Marinese football in European competition.

In domestic competitions, "Pyunik FA" currently sits third in the Armenian Premier League after six matches of the new season, with 13 points from a possible 18. Following their record 16th championship last year, they're aiming to reclaim top spot from current leaders Ararat-Armenia.

"Tre Fiori FC" is yet to begin their domestic campaign in the Campionato Sammarinese, where they'll be looking to improve on last season's third-place finish. Their preparation through these European fixtures gives them a potential advantage over domestic rivals when their league begins next month.