Zurich, Switzerland — In a gripping Swiss Super League clash at Letzigrund Stadium on Saturday night (31 January 2026), 21-year-old midfielder Samuel Krasniqi delivered a stunning debut moment, scoring his first top-flight goal to snatch a late 1–1 draw for Grasshopper Club Zürich against FC Lugano.
After a tense opening half that saw limited clear chances for either side, Lugano broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute. Renato Steffen, the experienced Ticino native, found the back of the net to give the visitors what appeared to be a deserved lead. Grasshopper’s offensive play until that point had been stifled, with new signing Michael Frey — making his first appearance in the blue and white — unable to find a breakthrough early on.
Grasshopper, struggling for goals and results this season, looked perilously close to dropping yet more points at home. However, what had been shaping up to be a disappointing night for the Zurich based club dramatically shifted late in the second half.
With just minutes remaining and momentum favoring Lugano, Krasniqi seized his moment. Emerging into the box in the 85th minute, he struck a powerful shot into the far corner, leaving the Lugano goalkeeper helpless and sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters. The goal proved to be not only Krasniqi’s first in the Swiss Super League, but also a crucial rescue strike that kept Grasshopper’s hopes alive in the match.
The result reflected a game of shifting fortunes. Despite Lugano’s dominance at times — out-shooting the hosts and controlling phases of play — they were unable to preserve their lead. Grasshopper goalkeeper Justin Hammel also played a pivotal role, making key saves to keep his side within touching distance until the final twist.
For the young Krasniqi, the goal marked a personal milestone and underlined his growing importance within the squad. The midfielder, who had previously shown promise in limited appearances, now starts to emerge as a player capable of delivering in high-pressure moments.
The draw leaves Grasshopper in the lower reaches of the Super League table, still searching for consistency in their campaign. For Lugano, the late concession will sting — particularly after dominating parts of the encounter — but they remain firmly in contention near the top of the standings.
As both clubs look toward their next fixtures, the finale at Letzigrund will be remembered most for Krasniqi’s breakthrough — a youthful spark that may hint at brighter days ahead for the historic Zurich outfit.