Cagliari claimed a vital 2-1 victory over Torino at the Unipol Domus, with Yerry Mina's stoppage-time header proving decisive in a thrilling Serie A encounter.
Cagliari entered the match sitting 16th in the Serie A table with 37 points from 36 games. Torino arrived in 12th place with 44 points, looking to extend their recent form. Both teams needed the points for different reasons. Cagliari fought to avoid the relegation zone, while Torino sought to climb higher up the standings.
The match exploded into life in the opening exchanges. Rafael Obrador fired Torino ahead in the 37th minute with a composed finish. The away side looked set to take control of the contest at the Unipol Domus.
However, Cagliari responded instantly. Just two minutes later, Sebastiano Esposito leveled the score in the 39th minute with a clinical strike. The home crowd roared back to life as the momentum shifted dramatically.
The first half ended level at 1-1, but Cagliari had seized the initiative. Esposito's goal changed the complexion of the match. The hosts now believed they could win this crucial contest.
The second half saw Torino dominate possession with 54 percent of the ball. They completed 425 accurate passes compared to Cagliari's 341. Despite their control, Torino created limited clear chances against a resolute home defense.
Cagliari remained dangerous on the counter-attack throughout the second period. They managed 13 total shots against Torino's nine efforts. The home side's expected goals total of 1.62 exceeded their visitors' 0.79, reflecting their quality of chances.
The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time. Yerry Mina rose highest to head home the winner in the 45+2 minute. The defender's header sent the home fans into raptures and gave Cagliari three precious points.
Yellow cards came late in the match. Gianluca Maripan received a booking for Torino in the 82nd minute. Moments later, Patrice Mendy saw yellow for Cagliari as tensions rose.
Esposito earned a match rating of 8.3 for his all-around display. The forward worked tirelessly and converted his chance with precision. Obrador managed 7.9 despite being on the losing side, while Mina's late heroics earned him a 7.5 rating.
This victory moves Cagliari to 40 points with one game remaining. The result keeps their survival hopes alive heading into the final day. Torino's defeat leaves them on 44 points, a disappointing end to their season.
Cagliari will face their final match knowing this win gives them genuine hope. Torino must reflect on a contest they controlled but failed to win. The late heartbreak will sting for the traveling supporters.
