It's never too early to start discussing this one... For Basel the mission is clear in this one: verlieren verboten (losing prohibited) Basel opponent this weekend: Yverdon (Cup) Deportivo opponent this weekend: Alaves (League)
Basel beat Yverdon 3:0 Deportivo crushed Alaves 6:0 Looks like both teams are ready for this one. Not sure if that 6-0 win by Deprtivo is good or bad for Basel. On one side Deportivo seems to have regained their scoring touch, on the other hand they might be a little overconfident, blaming last week's weather for the loss...
Bad News for Basel. "Murat Yakin most likley will not play in the Champions League, tuseday, at La Corogne. The international defender was complaining of muscle pain and a temperature of 39°c (about 104 F). Marco Zwyssig, why played little against Yverdon, will nmost likley take Yakin's place." That makes the match that much more difficult for Basel. It would have been difficult with a healthy team, but without Yakin, it could be a long day for the defence. Any thoughts if Gross will have them play their normal attacking style, or will they approach the game more deliberatly?
Here is what UEFA says: http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UCL/fixturesresults/round=1637/match=1038257/Report=PR.html Come on Basel!
It looks like that Gross with play a more defensive style with a 4-5-1. Rossi is on the bench, with Giminez getting the start in the front.
There were two charter flights which flew from Basel to La Coruña. There should be about 500 fans from Basel there. Lets hope they have something to cheer about.
In this thread, https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=34469 nobody picked Basel to win. There were a few who picked ties, but most were Deportivo victories. Lets hope that Basel can play like mad and get at least one point.
The announcer hoped that Gimenez is in shape, as he will be called upon to track back on defence, while being the key attacker.
An unfortunate start for Basel: GOAL: 4' Diego Tristán(Deportivo) 3' Lionel Scaloni crosses from the right, and the ball comes through to Diego Tristán, who controls and shoots in from three metres out.
Deportivo is having success with their midfielders attacking with the ball, and taking on the Basel midfielders and defense.
Ryan Giggs has scored for Man U. It is 1-0 in Milan. If Basel can come back, and Man U holds on, Basel is in good position. I can't believe that I am pulling for Man U.
Maakay's shot is parried for a corner by Zuberbühler. Unlike the last time in Spain, Valence, Basel in playing well.
1-0 loss, with lots of bad luck and a stupid goal. Basel missed a great chance to establish themselves in the group... http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UCL/fixturesresults/round=1637/match=1038257/Report=RP.html
OK, this was not Basel's day, to finish. It seems like they had some great chances, but could not get that one goal they needed. I have to wonder on a side note how many of Basel's team will leave this summer. Most should bring a heafty transfer fee, more money for Basel. As I understand, here are the points. Group D Pld Pts Man. United 4 12 Juventus 4 4 Deportivo 4 4 Basel 4 3 Next matchday will pit Juve and Deportivo. Lets hope for a draw. Basel is at Man U, we can hope for a draw, but even a loss is not terminal. That leaves the group at: Group D Pld Pts Man. United 5 13/15 Juventus 5 5 Deportivo 5 5 Basel 5 4/3 The final match day has Man U and Deportivo. If Basel gets a point, Man U wants to show that it was a fluke and pounds Deportivo. That Means that if Basel can beat Juve in Basel they qualify. As JP on "Angels in the Outfield" said, "Hey it could happen..." Mabye I am dreaming a little too much. Anything other than a Deportivo/Juve Tie eliminated Basel unless they win in Manchester.