(Translated by Thomas Snaith)
Before the game:
Marcel Koller placed his trust in the same players who beat FC Krasnodar 5:0. The only change; Kemal Ademi (Striker) who was unable to play the last fixture (due to injury) was back, leaving Arthur Cabral on the bench. Cabral, the Brazilian striker was substituted on towards the end of the game. Tabzonspor A.S. had a few Premier League players in their team; John Obi Mikel and Daniel Sturridge (1st appearance for Trabzobspor A.S.)
The home team lost the first round against Getafe CF (0:1) and therefore were under a bit of pressure ahead of their fixture against FCB. Since Basel kicked-off the competition with a 5:0 victory against Krasnodar, there was a slight advantage for the visiting team.
The first half:
After 45 minutes the score was 1:1; a fair result based on the performance of both teams. Neither of the teams were able to dominate the 1st half and the number of chances created by both teams was balanced. Both goals originated from set-pieces: Silvan Widmer scored with his head after Kevin Bua´s corner kick. Five minutes later the Turkish side reacted with a cracking goal! Abdulkadir Parmak scored via direct free-kick, from just outside the bock. Top corner; 1:1.
The second half:
The home team started the 2nd half with a strong performance, creating two big chances. Eray Cömert was deflected Alexander Sörloths attempt on target into the side-netting and Anthony Nwakaeme´s (substituted on) shot, right in front of Jonas Omlin, missed the target.
The game could have ended with a win or loss for either team. We started stronger but Trabzonspor hat the better chances after they equalized.
As the 2nd half progressed the fixture became more balanced. There was a lack of clear chances until 10 minutes before the end of the fixture. An action packed ending; First José Sosa scored for the home team and minutes later it was Noah Okafor who scored for Basel. Valentin Stocker´s assist (flicked on with his head) was volleyed into the back of the net…. What a goal!!
After the game:
A draw was a fair result since both teams played at a similar level. The enjoyment of leading the fixture was short lived for both sides as both Basel and Trabzonspor equalized shortly after conceding.
After two fixtures we have four points and a great goal difference. We happily take the draw.
Since Basel kicked off their group stage campaign with victory at home and now fly home with a draw, the “Bebbi” will be the happier team opposed to their Turkish hosts. In the next round FC Basel face Getafe CF in Spain, who managed to win both of their group stage fixtures. Getafe CF now lead Group C. FCB´s next fixture could be considered to be a “Top Game” against the Spanish side. Before facing Getafe CF, FCB travel to St. Gallen on Sunday (4pm, Kbunpark).
Match Report:
Trabzonspor A.S. – FC Basel 1893 2:2 (1:1)
Senol Günes Stadium. – 36’000 Supporters. – Referee Marco di Bello (Italy.
Goals: 20. Widmer 0:1 (Bua). 26. Parmak 1:1. 78. Sosa 2:1 (Nwakaeme). 80. Okafor 2:2 (Stocker).
Trabzonspor: Cakir; Türkmen, Hosseini, Campi, Novak; Erdogan, Mikel; Parmak, Sturridge (81. Cörecki), Avdijaj (46. Nwakaeme); Sörloth (65. Sosa).
FCB: Omlin; Widmer, Alderete, Cömert, Petretta; Xhaka, Frei, Stocker, Zuffi (65. Okafor), Bua; Ademi (70. Cabral).
Notes: Trabzonspor without Ekuban, Fernandes, Ömür, Onazi, Sari (all injured) and Kavrazli (not qualified to play). FCB without van Wolfswinkel (verletzt), Kuzmanovic and Zhegrova (both suffering from slight injury). Substitutes FCB: Bergström, Cabral, Campo, Nikolic, Okafor, Pululu and Riveros. – Yellow Cards: 22. Dogan Erdogan (Foul). 34. Xhaka. 46. Parmak. 81. Petretta 94. Stocker.
