On Thursday, 16. August 2018, FCB played in the 3rd round of the UEFA Europa League beating Vitesse Arnhem, in the 2nd leg fixture,1:0 (1:0). The only goal of the night was scored by Albian Ajeti in the 29th minute (header). FC Basel 1893 qualify for the play-off stage of the competition; One step away from the group stage. Now Basel face Apollon Limassol from Cyprus.
Translated by Thomas Snaith
Before the game:
Compared the FCB´s last fixture against FC Sion in the Swiss League, last Sunday, FCB-Coach Koller only made a single change to his team. Eray Cömert replaced, injured captain Marek Suchy in defense. Koller reinforced his comments of the past few days, stating that he wants to build somewhat of a fixed, set formation. Fabian Frei took over Suchy´s role as a captain.
The fixture kicked-off with quite some tempo, as both sides tried to score that opening goal. Dangerous chances were not to be seen. After 15 minutes of play however, FCB proved that they were capable of creating some danger: Valentin Stocker attempted a bicycle kick within the box, but was blocked by Vitesse´s defense. This was the first glimpse of spectacular football the crowd had seen so far, and the best scene of the 1st half. Valentin Stocker was also involved in FCB´s 2nd big chance, setting up Fabian Frei with a precise pass into the box. Frei, however narrowly missed the target, hitting the side netting (23rd minute).
A goal scored from a set-piece. We havent done that in a while. It was important that it worked tonight.
After FCB´s 2nd chance, there were a few important scenes: Vitesse defender Jake Clarke-Salter was sent off after a dangerous foul against Albian Ajeti (26.). The FCB striker scored minutes after he was fouled (1:0). Luca Zuffi took the corner-kick, struck towards the front post, where Ajeti caught the ball in mid-air, perfect header, GOAL! (29.). FC Basel 1893 ended the 1st half, winning 1:0- deserved result as they didn’t allow the visitors with a single chance to score.
It was a difficult game. Luckally we were able to take the lead. That fact that our game is not yet perfect, is normal.
The 2nd half was very different. FCB didn’t perform as well as in the 1st half, allowing their opponents to create several chances, even though they were one man down. It seemed as though the Dutch side were lacking strength to build up the necessary pressure to create enough danger. Basel controlled the 2nd half without playing as well as they are capable of, making sure the 1:0 was not in jeopardy.
In the second half we made to many mistakes. I didn’t like that. But we can be glad that we walked away with yet another victory.
After the result against Vitesse on Thursday night, FCB play their next fixture on Saturday. The “Helvetia” Swiss cup kicks-off, where FC Basel 1893 have an away fixture at FC Montlingen. In the play-off stage of the Europa League, Basel face Apollon Limassol. The 1st leg will be held at St. Jakob-Park, next Thursday, 8pm.
FC Basel 1893 – Vitesse Arnhem 1:0 (1:0).
St. Jakob-Park. – 12’334 Supporters. – Referee Daniel Siebert (GER).
Goals: 29. Ajeti 1:0 (Zuffi).
FCB: Omlin; Widmer, Balanta, Cömert, Petretta; Serey Die, Frei; Van Wolfswinkel (90. Bua), Zuffi, Stocker; Ajeti (46. Oberlin).
Vitesse Arnhem: Eduardo; Karavaev, van der Werff, Clarke-Salter, Büttner; Foor, Bero (28. Thelander), Serero; Beerens (81. Van Bergen), Matavž (71. Darfalou), Linssen.
Notes: FCB without Suchy and Signori (both injured). FCB-Substitutes: Hansen, Campo, Oberlin, Kalulu, Bua, Xhaka, Kaiser. – Yellow Cards: 78. Petretta, 90. Balanta Red Card: 26. Clarke-Salter.
16.08.2018
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