(Translated by Thomas Snaith)
Before kick-off, Fabian Schär admitted that his team were ready for revenge after the first leg fixture in Sofia. Basel displayed a level of confidence rarely seen in recent European fixtures; dominating the game for the full 90 minutes. Schär’s words clearly seen into action by the entire team, in the end the winning margin could have been more.
While FCB’s defence remained solid all game the offensive movement created chance after chance. It took a while before the scoring began, but after the initial goal was scored by Breel Embolo, the home team seemed unstoppable. Fabian Frei launched Basel’s youngster with a perfect pass, who calmly slotted past Vladislav Stoyanov.
Another assist by Fabian Frei
As it worked the first time round, why not do it again? This time Frei set up Derlis González with a long pass from midfield, who was no less cold blooded than Embolo to increase the score In the first half Ludogorets Razgrad attempted two shots on target, both of Mihail Alexandrov’s efforts saved by Tomas Vaclik.
Basel continued the second half as before: Shkelzen Gashi and Marek Suchy’s first Champions League goals rounding off a magnificent second half performance resulting in Basel’s highest ever UEFA Champions League victory. Another entry into the history book, like in the first fixture, where Razgrad became the first Bulgarian team ever to win points in the Champions League.
Training tactics implemented
Paulo Sousa was impressed by his team’s performance: “We had great pace in our game. We prevented Ludogorets’ counter attacks and managed to keep the spaces tight between the lines. We also found space along the wings. We had a lot of movement and make the right decisions. We played with passion and I am happy with my team’s performance, especially as we were able to implement tactics we practiced in training.”
Two games before the end of the group stage, Basel find themselves in a comfortable position: FCB hold second place, three points ahead of Liverpool in third. As a result of Liverpool’s loss in Madrid, qualification for the last 16 is in FCB’s own hands. Before the showdown at Anfield road, however Basel face another highpoint with the home game to come against Real Madrid on 26th of November. The already high anticipation for this game can only have increased further after the gala performance against Ludgorets.
Match summary:
FC Basel 1893 – PFC Ludogorets Razgrad 4:0 (2:0)
St. Jakob-Park. – 35‘272 Supporters. – SR Stéphane Lannoy (France)
Goals: 34. Embolo 1:0 (Frei). 41. González 2:0 (Frei). 59. Gashi 3:0 (Embolo). 65. Suchy 4:0 (Gashi).
FCB: Vaclik; Xhaka, Schär, Suchy, Safari; Elneny, Frei (81. Díaz), Zuffi; González (69. Callà), Embolo, Gashi (74. Delgado).
Ludogorets: Stoyanov; Junior Caiçara, Moti (21. Aleksandrov), Terziev, Angulo; Dyakov; Fabio Espinho (64. Anicet Abel); Dani Abalo, Marcelinho, Alexandrov; Bezjak (46. Hamza).
Notes: FCB without Ivanov, Streller (both injured) and Serey Die (banned). Razgrad without Minev (banned). Substitutes FCB: Callà, Degen, Delgado, Díaz, Hamoudi, Sio and Vailati. Remaining players not in line up. – Yellow Cards: 42. González. 84. Marcelinho.
