13 games in the championship, 2 games in the cup – FC Basel had lost all of these games against YB since July 2020. On Saturday evening, FCB finally put an end to this negative series.
The golden goal came in the 13th minute: Dominik Schmid fought for the ball on the halfway line and sprinted off. His low cross landed somewhat happily at the feet of Benjamin Kololli. The Basel newcomer kept a cool head in front of YB goalie David von Ballmoos and scored with a soulful shot.
After that, the home team had the game under control – yes, they could have increased it to 2-0: Juan Gauto was unable to complete an exemplary counterattack. He misplaced the ball.
YB hardly defends himself
Only shortly before the end did the guests come dangerously in front of Marwin Hitz’s goal. In the 79th minute, Cedric Itten nodded a header wide of the goal, and 10 minutes later he saw a shot from Hitz defused.
Overall, it seemed as if the leader lacked the ultimate will to win. Something that Basel, second from bottom in the table before this game, was brimming with.
Wakeful start – then the break-in
Coach Raphael Wicky’s team started the game powerfully, but after a few minutes the effect was gone. After that, FCB was the better team and stood out for their great effort. The “Bebbi” repeatedly won decisive duels in midfield.
This is how it goes
An English week is coming up: Basel travels to Winterthur on Tuesday, YB welcomes promoted Yverdon. Both games start at 8:30 p.m. The SRF live game takes place on Wednesday with the duel between St. Gallen and Servette. SRF broadcasts live from 8:10 p.m.