(Translated by Thomas Sanith)
With another victory against Getafe CF, FCB would qualify for the last 16 round of the UEFA Europa League. If FC Krasnodar would beat Trabzonspor A.S, two other teams could have 10 points (Getafe and Krasnador) in the end. If teams have equal points, then only the points for direct confrontation will be considered (for the final Group table standings). In this case FCB would no longer be able to be toppled from the top of their group. There are still 90 difficult minutes which lie ahead.
EVEN THOUGH FCB´S OUTLOOK IS POSITIVE, WE CAN NOT AFFORD TO LACK CONCENTRATION AND ALLOW GETAFE TOO MANY CHANCES. WE STILL HAVE TWO MORE FIXTURES TO PLAY.
With the 1:0 victory in the first leg, FCB wrote another chapter for FCB´s history books; Basel´s 1st victory on Spanish soil and top of their group. In the past, FCB have been top of their group after half of their group stage fixtures, but never has been undefeated after the 1st 3 fixtures in European competition. 7 points in 3 fixtures is a club record. FCB have two home games and one away fixture to play. The outlook has never been as positive for rotblau during a European group stage.
GETAFE WON THEIR LAST TWO GAME
The return leg fixture against Getafe lies ahead and the Spanish will be looking for revenge, as they lost against FCB at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. They are currently in top form: Just like ahead of the 1st leg fixture against FCB, they won their last two fixtures. After losing to Basel, the Spanish side lost to Sevilla FC (0:2), but then won against Granada CF (3:1) and against Real Club Celta de Vigo (1:0).
WE EXPECT GETAFE TO PLAY SIMILAR TO THE 1ST LEG FIXTURE. WE ARE WELL PREPARED.
FCB´s recent results in the Swiss league haven’t been that great; a lucky victory against FC Stade-Lausanne Ouchy (Swiss Cup), a loss against rivals FC Zürich and a draw against Neuchâtel Xamax FCS. Getafe expect to play a different style of football compared to the 3 mentioned teams. Basel might have a bit of space infront of their opponent´s goal. The fact that a victory would result in qualification for the next round is irrelevant for coach Marcel Koller and plays no role in regards to preparations ahead of tonight´s fixture.
LIMITED WINGERS AVAILIBLE
Basel coach will have a few worries ahead of tonight´s fixture, as they are running out of players. Apart from injured Zdravko Kuzmanovic, Noah Okafor and Ricky van Wolfswinkel, FCB will be missing both Kevin Bua and Valentin Stocker, who are banned due to the number of yellow cards received. Especially on the wing, is where coach Koller needs to improvise.
OVER 24´000 SUPPORTERS, THAT A REAL JOY! I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR FANS WHO WILL SUPPORT US AGAINST GETAFE.
For the fixture against Getafe, over 24´000 tickets have been sold, providing the perfect atmosphere for a potential qualification for the next round of the competition. The Muttenzerkurve will also be contributing towards a great atmosphere on the night, as they are planning a big choreography before kick-off. Supporters are encouraged to make their way to their seats 15 minutes before kick-off
