This year, FC Basel 1893 qualified for the semi final of a major European competition for the 1st time. Chelsea FC was too big a hurdle. At the moment it is natural to be deeply disappointed but it is important not to forget the magnificent performances Murat Yakin’s team  has delivered, and the challenges they had to overcome to get so far. FC Basel has, secured bettter starting conditions for themselves and Swiss club football for future European campaigns. FCB played a total of 20 European matches this season ending up against the current Champions League winners. This shows what FCB has achieved in the last 10 months, on a European level.

Despite another strong performance, FC Basel was beaten 1:3 (1:0), on the 2nd May 2013, in the 2nd leg, semi final, Europa League match against Chelsea FC. Especially during the 1st half FCB increasingly put pressure onto their oppenent; culminating in Mohamed Salah scoring just before the break making the score line 0:1. The Londoners returned in the 2nd half, more astute, turning the game around within 7 minutes of the restart. During the 2nd half Basel matched Chelsea, creating chances, but invariably all of the goals in the 2nd half were for the opposition.  Despite  defeat in London, FC Basel can be proud of their performance on the night as well as during their entire Europa League campaign. FCB’s success story ended in the semi final of the Europa League.

FC Basel 1893 lost the 1st leg, Europa League semi-final match against Chelsea FC 1:2 (0:1). Victor Moses scored for the English side in the 12th minute. Basel improved after conceding the early goal, pushing hard for an equalizer in the second half. They were rewarded 5 minutes before the end, as referee Pavel Kravolec generously awarded the home team a penalty for a foul on Valentin Stocker. Fabian Schaer equalized confidently. Chelsea came back strongly, to win in the 94th minute through a  David Luiz  free kick. There is still 90 minutes or more left to play in this duel.