(Translated by Thomas Snaith)
Before the game:
Jonas Omlin was not able to play against Getafe due to a strained muscle, presenting Djordje Nikolic with the opportunity of his European debut. Marcel Koler only made one other change compared to the club´s the last fixture against FC Thun; Arthur Cabral was replaced by striker Kemal Ademi. Getafe CF coach José Bordalás made seven changes to his team after his recent 2:0 victory against CD Leganés last Saturday.
Jerôme Brisard was the referee on the night. He had previously refereed an FCB fixture - 18th of February 2018, when Basel lost 2:0 to FC St. Gallen 1879.
The first half:
Basel´s efficiency was rewarded with a goal, making the most out of Gatafe´s only mistake: Dakonam Djené slipped up on the wing, near his own penalty box, Raoul Petretta snatched the ball, passed through the Spanish defense, into Fabian Frei´s path. Goal! (18.)
I had a lot of fun on the pitch.
After FCB´s opener it as the home team that created several chances; Especially Ángel created danger in front of Basel´s goal. During the early stages of the 1st half he clipped the post with his 1st attempt on target. Ángel´s 2nd attempt (28.) was a header which landed in the side netting. only a few minutes later Djordje Nikolic denied his nearly perfect shot on target (33.). Apart from that, the FCB-defense remained solid as could be, but FCB failed to create any danger at opposite side of the pitch.
the second half:
The Spanish started off the 2nd half with two shots on target. Djordje Nikolic had a great night, saving Raúl Garcia´s free kick and then blocking a shot which resulted from a corner kick, right after. The 2nd half was similar to the 1st; Getafe attacked continuously and FCB defended well, denying them any chances. Even during the last 20 minutes of the fixture and after Kevin Bua was sent off, FCB remained concentrated, securing the 1:0 victory.
After the game:
FCB may not have played the most attractive football last night but Rotblau fly home with three valuable points. This first victory on Spanish soil was well deserved, based on a solid performance and a fierce fight. Eight yellow cards and one sending off! Basel didn’t play a dirty game but simply approached challenges and tackles relentlessly. Djordje Nikolic deserves a big thumbs-up for his impressive performance on his European debut. Well done Djordje!
We cannot be misled by our current position. it´s too early to dream of qualifiying and we must stay focused.
FCB take over the leader board of Group C after their victory in Spain. FC Basel 1893 are one point ahead of Getafe and four points ahead of third placed FC Krasnodar. After half of the group stage fixtures have been played, FCB´s chances of qualifying for the next round are intact. Basel have two home games to play but no easy fixtures; In two weeks the leaders of Group C face Getafe at St. Jakob-Park.
Match Report:
Getafe CF – FC Basel 1893 0:1 (0:1)
Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. – 6'213 Supporters. – Referee Jérôme Brisard (France).
Goal: 18. Frei 0:1 (Petretta).
GCF: Chichizola; Nyom, Djené, Bruno (14. Cabrera), Raúl Garcia; Portillo (57. Jason), Maksimovic, Fajr, Kenedy; Molina (70. Cucurella), Ángel.
FCB: Nikolic; Widmer, Alderete, Cömert, Petretta; Xhaka, Frei; Stocker (92. Pululu), Zuffi, Bua; Ademi (69. Cabral).
Notes: GCF without Antunes, Bergara, Manojlovic, Ndiaye (all injured) und Timor (suspended). FCB without Kuzmanovic, Okafor, Omlin and van Wolfswinkel (alle injured). Substitutes FCB: Bergström, Campo, Cabral, Pukaj, Pululu, Riveros and Zhegrova. – Yellow-Rot: 74. Bua. Verwarnungen: 29. Cömert. 34. Stocker. 39. Xhaka. 48. Kenedy. 51. Zuffi. 54. Bua. 55. Portillo. 56. Alderete. 60. Nikolic. 64. Frei. 90. Ángel. – 10. Hit the post Ángel.
