BKN301 Championship play-offs: late drama decisive for Virtus and Libertas

The closing minutes proved decisive in the first two first-leg ties that kicked off the BKN301 San Marino Championship play-offs today. Two afternoon clashes saw Libertas come from behind against Tre Fiori and Virtus snatch a stoppage-time equaliser against Folgore. At Domagnano, Floriano Sperindio’s Granata faced the Gialloblu led by new coach Giorgio Leoni. And it was the side of the former San Marino National Team coach that made the brighter start: after just a few minutes Gregorio – facing his old club – brought down Bernardi in the area. Referee Beltrano had no doubts and pointed to the spot. Captain De Falco stepped up, sent Zavoli the wrong way and made it 1-0. Libertas regrouped and reacted well through Barlafante who, midway through the half, struck an excellent effort only for Castagnoli to produce a fine save. Late in the half Barlafante – among the best for his side – thought he had his reward when he put the ball in the net, but the assistant’s flag was already up for offside. After the restart Libertas kept up the pressure in search of an equaliser. On 56 minutes the Granata put together a sustained move, ending with a cross-shot from Moretti that found the head of Olcese, who powered goalwards, but once again – with even stronger protests than before – it was all cut short by the raised flag for offside. Sperindio and Leoni then turned to their benches to refresh the attacking lines: Ben Kacem replaced Olcese for Libertas, while Rizzo came on for Tall for the Gialloblu. The change paid off for Libertas because on 79 minutes the deserved equaliser arrived: De Falco lost a poor ball just outside the box, Bucci pounced and drove at Castagnoli, the keeper got something on it but on the rebound it was Ben Kacem who fired home for 1-1. The goal fired up the Granata, who shortly after almost completed the turnaround when Ben Kacem broke through in trademark fashion and went for the far corner, his effort drifting just wide. But almost at the death, the comeback was complete: Sapori swung in the corner, Bucci flicked it on and found Guglielmi, whose powerful strike beat Castagnoli for a precious 2-1. In the return leg, scheduled for Wednesday 3 May at 20:45 in Fiorentino, Libertas will only need to avoid defeat to book their place in the semi-finals. The winners of this tie will then meet either Cosmos or Faetano (their first leg is scheduled for tomorrow in Dogana, kick-off at 15:00). There was less entertainment on offer at Montecchio between Virtus and Folgore. Early on, a fine overhead effort in the box from Manuel Battistini raised Neroverdi hopes for Bizzotto’s side, but Pollini pulled off a superb save to deny the opener. The match turned shortly after the half-hour mark: Rosini was alert to take a quick free-kick from deep, picking out Serafini. Lepri’s midfielder shot towards goal but the trajectory was diverted by a handball from Benincasa. The referee pointed to the spot and Sartori kept his cool from eleven metres to give his side the lead. Virtus responded immediately with a wonderful team move: Sabato played it into Tortori and burst down the left, the ball then reached Buonocunto who produced a delightful dummy to let it run through to Sabato, who drove into the area and shot, only to see his effort come back off the post. In the second half Folgore sat deeper, with Pollini doing well to repel Bizzotto’s men whenever they threatened. Virtus kept pushing but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Then, deep into stoppage time, came the decisive move: a cross from the right found Ciacci, the San Marino forward controlled and shot, Pollini saved the first effort but on the rebound Roberto Sabato was on hand to bury it for 1-1, just moments before the final whistle. The draw has Virtus celebrating, as they now have two results out of three in their favour in the return leg; Folgore, meanwhile, must win if they are to go through and face either La Fiorita or Juvenes-Dogana (their first leg is to be played tomorrow at 15:00 in Montecchio). Below is the schedule of tomorrow’s fixtures, with the other BKN301 Championship play-off first legs kicking off at 15:00. You can follow all the action live and exclusively – completely free of charge and with full commentary – on the Titani.tv platform:

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