Stade Achille Hammerel, Strassen – UNA Strassen claimed a 1-0 first-leg victory over La Fiorita (San Marino) in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League 2026/27. Nicolas Perez scored the only goal of the night in the 85th minute. For the Luxembourg club, it was simultaneously their very first appearance on the European stage – a debut rewarded with three points.
A long wait for a goal, an early yellow card
The opening half passed without a goal. As early as the 7th minute, Matheus Souza was shown a yellow card for Strassen – an early setback for the home side, who nevertheless maintained control. La Fiorita, a more seasoned European campaigner as San Marino's representative, defended compactly without ever truly threatening. The visitors had last featured in Conference League qualifying in the 2024/25 season, where they were eliminated by Vardar on a 2-5 aggregate.
Shortly after the restart, both managers turned to their benches: Strassen introduced Natami for Goncalves in the 55th minute, while La Fiorita made a triple substitution in the 56th and 57th minutes – Mularoni, Giacopetti and Bonetti replacing Zulli, Pancotti and Guidi. The home side made further changes in the 70th minute, with Zenadji coming on for Rastoder and Seye replacing the already-booked Matheus Souza.
Perez settles it in the closing stages
The match appeared to be heading for a goalless draw when Nicolas Perez made the decisive breakthrough in the 85th minute. The 34-year-old Frenchman, born in Marseille and at UNA Strassen since the summer of 2021, once again underlined his value to the club. Perez brings considerable European experience to the table: with F91 Dudelange, he reached the UEFA Europa League group stage following victories over CFR Cluj and Legia Warsaw, and also featured in Champions League qualifying – a pedigree that pays dividends in high-pressure moments like these.
The celebrations were short-lived, however: just a minute after his goal, in the 86th minute, Perez was shown a yellow card. La Fiorita had brought on Nappello for Cicarelli in the 85th minute, but the contest was already settled. Perez himself left the pitch shortly before the final whistle, making way for Tiago in the 88th minute.
The picture ahead of the second leg
UNA Strassen travel to San Marino on 14 July 2026 for the return fixture carrying a 1-0 advantage. The position is a favourable one, though far from decided: La Fiorita need at least one goal to keep the tie alive. For the Luxembourg newcomers on the European stage, it is already a historic moment – their first victory in a UEFA competition is now on the record books.
