(Translated by Thomas Snaith)
Basel had the chance to take the lead. Zuffi´s free-kick was deflected by Grzegorz Krychowiak but Marc Janko failed to slip the ball over the line. That would have been the 2:1 for FCB; but the fixture didn’t end in Basel´s favor. The visiting side scored in the last minute, securing victory. PSG deserved to win the fixture, as they were clearly the better side; creating more danger. The second half was PSG´s time to flex their muscles. However; in the first half Lucas took a corner kick, Thomas Meunier attempted a shot on target which was deflected, leaving Blaise Matuidi with an easy target, scoring the equalizer from close distance.
Zuffi scores spectacular equaliser
After PSG scored the opener, they returned from the half time break with extra motivation, challenging a strong Tomas Vaclik and Basel´s defense. FCB were able to stay in the game and managed to score the equalizer, fifteen minute before the end of the second half. Zuffi beat keeper Alphonse Aréolas with a long distance shot. Was Zuffi´s goal an intended shot on target or a cross? Anyhow, the 34´500 supporters didn’t care; a goal is a goal! Basel´s equalizer was the reward for fighting spirit and never giving up against a strong PSG.
Basel´s fight was not rewarded, as Meunier scored the deciding last minute goal with a smashing volley. Adrien Rabiot crossed the ball and Meunier placed it into the top right corner. Urs Fischer commented: “My team played well in the first half; PSG had more possession but not in the areas where it mattered. After the first half we made many individual mistakes creating chances for our opponent. We could have been down 2:0 but our fans picked us up, helping us score the 1:1. Shortly after our equalizer PSG score an amazing goal”.
Arsenal and PSG qualify for the next round
Not only did Meunier score the winning goal but he secured his team a place in the next round of the UEFA Champions League. As the fixture between PFC Ludogorets Razgrad and Arsenal FC ended 2:3, the Londoners have also qualified for the next round. This means that FCB will have to fight the Bulgarians for 3rd place and qualification for the last 32 round of the Europa League. The next fixture against the Bulgarians in Sofia is very important!
Match report:
FC Basel 1893 – Paris Saint-Germain FC 1:2 (0:1)
St. Jakob-Park. – 34‘639 Supporters. – Referee Ovidiu Hategan (Romania).
Goals: 43. Matuidi 0:1 (Meunier). 76. Zuffi 1:1 (Xhaka). 90. Meunier 1:2 (Rabiot).
FCB: Vaclik; Gaber (69. Sporar), Suchy, Balanta, Traoré; Serey Die, Xhaka; Bjarnason, Delgado (59. Zuffi), Steffen; Doumbia (59. Janko).
PSG: Aréola; Meunier, Thiago Silva (46. Krychowiak), Marquinhos, Kurzawa; Thiago Motta, Verrati, Matuidi (77. Rabiot); Lucas (83. Jesé), Cavani, di Maria.
Notes: FCB without Lang (injured). PSG without Aurier (injured). Substitutes FCB: Callà, Elyounoussi, Hoegh, Janko, Sporar, Vailati and Zuffi. – Yellow-Red (Sent Off): 85. Serey Die. Yellow Cards: 47. (first half) Steffen . 77. Serey Die. 86. Verrati. 88. Kurzawa.
