Champions League, 2-2 win at Stade Vernet, which keeps hopes alive

Servite's dream is more vivid than ever. Although, upon closer inspection, the result of the first leg of the Champions League semi-final in Vernitz certainly makes the Finns in Loko Rauma happier, who return to their homeland with a decidedly positive 2-2 result. Not only because Alessio Bertaggia and his teammates know that they will necessarily have to win the return leg in a week's time, but above all because – after a difficult central period – it was undoubtedly Yan Cadieux's men who created the best chances in the final. The period, however, without being able to set what would have been the winning record behind Daniil Lebedev.

All things considered, the Swiss champion can complain above all about those two goals in a short two-minute period between 24'34'' and 26'39'': at first, with a bit of luck (since Abt's first attempt was saved Vatanen's body), Mattila hit a brilliant shot at the near post that left Olkinora no chance, then Canadian Fontaine Le Coulter and Honka appeared undisturbed in front of the goalkeeper and scored the second goal. Led by Tanner Richard on a fantastic evening, the Geneva boys have the advantage of equalizing almost immediately, at 29:02, with Giancarlo Chanton always waiting to score his first goal in the National League, but whoever finds it on this occasion is an excellent result that leaves Lebedev dead.

And if it is true that 2-2 was a bit tight for Ginevra Servette, it is likely that in seven days' time, in Finland, Yann Cadieux will need all the attacking contribution from his best men.