Pyunik vs Tre Fiori: Overview

Pyunik FA staged a remarkable comeback to overcome Tre Fiori FC 3-1 in the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier at Vazgen Sargsyan Stadium, advancing 3-2 on aggregate after overturning their first-leg deficit. The Armenian champions demonstrated their superior quality in front of a passionate home crowd of approximately 12,000 fans.

The match began with Pyunik showing clear intent, dominating possession and creating several early chances. Their persistence paid off in the 23rd minute when Yusuf Otubanjo broke the deadlock with a clinical finish from Henri Avagyan's cross. The San Marino side responded with disciplined defending, frustrating the hosts until halftime.

The second half saw Pyunik double their advantage through Marius Noubissi's powerful header in the 58th minute, but Tre Fiori stunned the home crowd when Matteo Manfroni, scorer in the first leg, netted an away goal in the 71st minute that temporarily put the visitors back in control of the tie. With elimination looming, Pyunik's captain Gevorg Tarakhchyan delivered when it mattered most, scoring a decisive 85th-minute goal that sent the Armenian side through.

This result continues Pyunik's European journey and represents a significant achievement for Armenian football in continental competition. Despite the defeat, Tre Fiori's performance across both legs demonstrates the progress of San Marinese clubs on the European stage.

The character shown by my players today was exceptional. After conceding that away goal, many teams would have collapsed, but we showed our experience and quality. Tarakhchyan's goal was not just skill but pure determination. This victory belongs to our supporters who created an incredible atmosphere," stated Eghishe Melikyan, Pyunik's visibly emotional coach.

We knew Pyunik would come at us strongly at home. For periods, we contained them well and our away goal nearly took us through. I'm proud of what my players have achieved across both legs against a team with significantly more European experience," reflected Danilo Girolomoni, Tre Fiori's coach.

When I saw the ball hit the net, I couldn't contain my emotions. This is why we play football – for moments like these. The team never stopped believing," said Gevorg Tarakhchyan, Pyunik's match-winner.

This represents progress for our club. Few gave us a chance after the draw was made, but we proved we can compete at this level. The first leg victory will remain a historic moment for Tre Fiori," commented Matteo Manfroni, who scored in both legs.

Armenian clubs are continuing to make strides in European competition. Pyunik showed real mental strength to overcome the first-leg deficit and the pressure of conceding an away goal. They'll be a difficult opponent for whoever draws them next," analyzed Viktor Karapetyan, former Armenian international and UEFA technical observer.

Possession: Pyunik FA 68% - 32% Tre Fiori FC

Shots (on target): Pyunik FA 19 (9) - 4 (2) Tre Fiori FC

Corners: Pyunik FA 11 - 2 Tre Fiori FC

Fouls: Pyunik FA 7 - 13 Tre Fiori FC

Yellow Cards: Pyunik FA 1 (Avagyan 65') - 3 Tre Fiori FC (Sirri 34', Prandelli 60', Dolcini 79')

Red Cards: None

Player Performance Highlights:

Gevorg Tarakhchyan (Pyunik): Match-winning goal, 94% pass completion, 3 key passes, 7 recoveries

Yusuf Otubanjo (Pyunik): 1 goal, 5 shots (3 on target), 2 successful dribbles

Marius Noubissi (Pyunik): 1 goal, 4 aerial duels won, 2 shots on target

Matteo Manfroni (Tre Fiori): 1 goal from 2 shots, 3 clearances, 76% pass completion

Federico Benedettini (Tre Fiori): 7 saves, 3 high claims, distributed 12 long balls

Pyunik's dominance was evident in their control of the ball and attacking statistics, registering nearly five times as many shots as their opponents. However, Tre Fiori's defensive discipline and efficiency in front of goal kept them competitive throughout the tie.

23' GOAL (1-0) - Pyunik break the deadlock through Yusuf Otubanjo, who finishes calmly after Henri Avagyan's precise cross from the right flank. The Nigerian striker's composed finish gives the Armenian side hope of overturning the first-leg deficit.

34' YELLOW CARD - Tre Fiori's Alex Sirri enters the referee's book for a tactical foul on Alemão, halting a promising Pyunik counter-attack. The San Marino side are focusing on maintaining their defensive shape while looking dangerous on rare counter-attacks.

58' GOAL (2-0) - Marius Noubissi doubles Pyunik's lead with a powerful header from Serhii Vakulenko's corner. The Cameroonian rises highest in a crowded penalty area to put the hosts ahead on aggregate for the first time in the tie.

65' TACTICAL CHANGE - Tre Fiori coach Danilo Girolomoni makes a double substitution, introducing fresh legs in midfield and adopting a more offensive approach in search of a crucial away goal.

71' GOAL (2-1) - Against the run of play, Matteo Manfroni scores a vital away goal for Tre Fiori, capitalizing on a defensive error. The goal silences the home crowd as it puts the San Marinese club back in the driving seat on away goals.

79' TACTICAL SHIFT - Pyunik coach Eghishe Melikyan responds with an attacking substitution, moving to a more direct 4-2-4 formation and instructing his team to apply maximum pressure.

85' GOAL (3-1) - Captain Gevorg Tarakhchyan becomes Pyunik's hero, scoring the decisive goal with a spectacular volley from the edge of the box after a partially cleared corner. The stadium erupts as Pyunik now lead 3-2 on aggregate.

Prior to this qualifying tie, Pyunik FA and Tre Fiori FC had never met in European competition, making this their first-ever head-to-head encounter. The aggregate score of 3-2 to Pyunik across both legs accurately reflects the competitive nature of the tie, despite the disparity in European pedigree between the two clubs.

Both legs showcased distinct patterns: Tre Fiori's disciplined defensive approach at home in the first leg secured them a surprise 1-0 victory despite having only 31% possession, while Pyunik's attacking quality eventually told in the return fixture, though not without significant resistance from the San Marinese side.

Key individual battles shaped the outcome, particularly the contest between Pyunik's forward line led by Otubanjo against Tre Fiori's defensive pairing of Sirri and Censoni. While the Armenian attack eventually prevailed with three goals in the second leg, the San Marinese defenders can take credit for their performance across both matches.

In midfield, Pyunik's Tarakhchyan gradually imposed his influence after being effectively contained in the first leg by Tre Fiori's disciplined midfield screening. His match-winning contribution in the second leg ultimately proved the difference between the sides.

This tie will be remembered as one where the expected hierarchy was temporarily disrupted by Tre Fiori's first-leg victory, before Pyunik's quality and home advantage restored the anticipated outcome in dramatic fashion.

In the UEFA Europa Conference League qualification picture, Pyunik FA advances to the third qualifying round where they will face stiffer competition from clubs representing stronger European leagues. Their progression maintains Armenia's improving coefficient in UEFA competitions and provides valuable revenue for the club.

Tre Fiori FC exits European competition but returns to domestic duty with enhanced reputation after their historic first-leg victory. In the Sammarinese Campionato, they currently sit 2nd after five matches played in the new season, three points behind leaders La Fiorita.

Pyunik's qualification continues Armenia's recent improvement in continental competitions, following last season's group stage appearance by another Armenian club. For San Marino, despite Tre Fiori's elimination, their performance across both legs represents one of the nation's strongest showings in European competition.

The Armenian side's progression means they remain on track to potentially reach the Conference League group stages, which would be a significant achievement for the club and provide substantial financial benefits. For context, reaching the group stage could be worth approximately €3 million in UEFA prize money, a transformative sum for clubs from smaller European leagues.