One final thing about FCZ, according to multiple reports the following happened to them yesterday - 1. A truck blocked the bus at the hotel and made them 10 min late leaving. 2. The police escort from the hotel to the stadium did not really do its job, and the bus progressed at a snail's pace. 3. FCZ fans were delayed on their buses from the airport and did not enter the stadium until after the match had started. 4. Some fans claimed the security guards were a little too thorough especially with female fans, some were claimed of being stripped searched before they were allowed to enter the stadium. 5. When the FCZ players tried to take showers after the match, there was no hot water in their locker room. Granted some of these reports might be exaggerated, but not the best way to treat a guest.
For the 2017-2018 season, the Swiss should be fine with 4 entries, plus the Swiss Cup. They will need a few good years ahead because in 2020, they are projected to drop from 13th to 18th, that combined with the new format will make things much more difficult for a Swiss team to make the knock-out round of the Champions League. starting 2018.
Basel have been terrible in the UCL under him. First the embarrassing qualification loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv last year (their star forward at the time, Zahavi, is now in China making the big bucks) and now this. Sure, last year's Europa League was ok for them but still. I also have to be very critical of YB who just stumble and fumble in international competition most of the time. They should be the ones collecting the most points after Basel. They have the resources. No more excuses. Well done to FCZ, the only bright spot this year. Quite a coefficient setback. We need a strong year next season.