Lecce Snatch Dramatic Last-Gasp Victory Against Sassuolo to Boost Survival Hopes

Lecce secured a dramatic 3-2 away victory over Sassuolo in a critical Serie A encounter, with Nikola Stulic scoring in the 96th minute to snatch all three points. This crucial win moves Lecce to 37 points, placing them one point above the relegation zone with just one fixture left in the season, intensifying the battle for survival in Italy's top flight. The match, played at Mapei Stadium, saw a see-saw battle with both teams exchanging goals before Lecce ultimately prevailed in a thrilling conclusion.

First Half Goals and Controversy

The game started at a frantic pace, with early chances for both sides. Lecce opened the scoring through Walid Cheddira, who initially found the net after Ulisses Garcia accidentally rolled the ball into his path following an attempted interception. Despite appeals for a foul, the goal stood after a VAR check. Sassuolo quickly responded, with Armand Laurienté sweeping in from eight yards after a swift counter-attack initiated by Domenico Berardi. However, Lecce restored their lead when Lameck Banda delivered a cross for Cheddira to score his second with a twisting header. Sassuolo had a goal disallowed for offside in the build-up, keeping Lecce ahead at the break.

Key facts:
| Statistic | Detail |
|—————–|———————————————————————————-|
| Competition | Serie A |
| Date | May 17, 2026 |
| Venue | Mapei Stadium, Sassuolo |
| Result | Sassuolo 2-3 Lecce |
| Lecce Scorers | Walid Cheddira (14', 25'), Nikola Stulic (96') |
| Sassuolo Scorers| Armand Laurienté (20'), Andrea Pinamonti (82') |

Numerous Missed Opportunities

The second half saw both teams continue to create opportunities, but a lack of clinical finishing kept the score tight. M’Bala Nzola missed a sitter for Sassuolo, ballooning an effort over from close range, and later hit the woodwork. Walid Cheddira, already with two goals, was denied a hat-trick by a point-blank save from Sassuolo goalkeeper Stefano Turati. Lecce also failed to capitalize on several chances, including a weak finish from Lameck Banda. These missed opportunities set the stage for a tense final period.

Sassuolo's Late Equalizer

As the match entered its final stages, Sassuolo pressed for an equalizer. They finally found it in the 82nd minute when Andrea Pinamonti scored with a delightful back-heel flick from six yards, following a pull-back from Ulisses Garcia. This goal appeared to have salvaged a point for Sassuolo and put further pressure on Lecce's survival hopes. The momentum seemed to have shifted firmly in the home side's favour, especially after Cristian Volpato wasted a golden opportunity to give Sassuolo the lead in stoppage time.

Stulic's Stoppage-Time Heroics

The game's dramatic climax arrived deep into stoppage time. Following Volpato's missed chance, Lecce launched one final attack. Omri Gandelman knocked down a ball over the top, finding Nikola Stulic. Stulic turned past Pedro Felipe and fired home from close range, sparking wild celebrations from the Lecce bench and a red card for a member of their staff amidst the tension. This astonishing last-gasp goal secured a vital victory for Lecce, giving them a crucial buffer in their fight against relegation.

Implications for the Relegation Battle

This result has significant implications for the Serie A relegation battle. Lecce's win lifts them to 16th place with 37 points, one point ahead of Cremonese, who are currently in the relegation zone. With only one match remaining, Lecce now control their destiny, needing a positive result in their final game to ensure their Serie A status for next season. The loss leaves Sassuolo in a relatively safer mid-table position but highlights their defensive vulnerabilities. For Lecce, this dramatic victory provides a massive psychological boost as they head into the final matchday of a gruelling season.

Fuente: Football Italia RSS at https://football-italia.net/serie-a-sassuolo-2-3-lecce-last-gasp-victory/

Key facts