For Basel, the motto before the home game against the most difficult group opponent was clear: If the 3rd win in the 3rd game is to come, the engine at the back and front must run hot. Coach Alex Frei was hoping for a lot of offensive drive and creativity with striker Andi Zeqiri and Jean-Kévin Augustin as ten.
But wishful thinking and the subjunctive aside, that didn’t happen: The “Bebbi” left the field after a restrained performance as losers and with a result of 0:2.
Defensive behavior: insufficient
The disaster took its course in the first half when FCB failed to convert 62 percent of possession into a countable goal. While the offensive was able to stage itself to some extent after the half-hour mark, the defense didn’t fit together at all. Slovan didn’t need to be asked twice and scored twice before the break:
- 35 minutes: A high cross reaches Lukas Pauschek, who simply puts in a header. Well done by the Slovak, but he also had an easy time in the Skore overture – the Basel defense had completely lost sight of him.
- 43 minutes: The FCB back team does not seem to have learned from their mistake. The Slovakians easily pass Andy Pelmard and Noah Katterbach, who behave like spectators. The goal scorer for the 2-0 is Aleksandar Cavric.
Legend:
Were too passive at 0:2
Basel’s Andy Pelmard (centre) and Noah Katterbach on the right edge of the picture.
Keystone / Anthony Anex
Three-way battle for 2 tickets is imminent
In the second half, too, the “Bebbi” couldn’t create a top chance in front of 15,000 spectators in St. Jakob-Park, the result of the guest from the Slovakian capital could have been even higher.
In addition to Bratislava, Pjunik Yerevan was also victorious in Group H. The Armenians beat Lithuania’s Zalgiris Vilnius 2-0 at home. Basel and Yerevan are leading the table after the 3rd matchday with 6 points, but Bratislava is just behind with 4 points.
Here’s how to proceed
FCB can’t rest for long after this setback, on Sunday afternoon they are guests in the 10th round of the Super League in Lugano. On Thursday, October 13, there will be a rematch against Bratislava in the 4th group game of the ECL, then the Frei team will play away. Kick-off is at 6:45 p.m.