FC Basel loses the away game at Genk 1-2. After mixed performances in the domestic championship, the defeat in the Europa League also represents a bitter setback for Bebbi.
The Bebbi have to accept another setback.
Nico Ilic/freshfocus
The first surprise of this European Cup evening can already be seen on the match sheet: Xherdan Shaqiri is just sitting on the bench, plagued by muscular problems. However, they don’t seem to be that bad, because Shaqiri comes on as a substitute in the 79th minute – but even he can’t prevent Basel from losing on this cold evening in Belgium.
From a Swiss perspective, the start of the game was certainly impressive: The Bebbi played bravely forward from the start, but Genk were very solid and hardly allowed anything to happen. Only Otele had a half chance. After an incompletely clarified situation by Daniliuc, the ball went via a detour to Oh Hyeon-Gyu, who scored from a relatively tight angle – a cold shower for the Basel team. Even after the goal, Ludovic Magnin’s team had more possession of the ball, but it was never really dangerous. In stoppage time in the first half, the Belgians made it 2-0 with a dream goal from Karetas – from their second shot.
In the second half, Otele scored the next goal in the 57th minute. Basel’s hope was back. But ultimately the appearance is not compelling enough. In the last 30 minutes, the Bebbi were unable to consistently push the opponent back. Philip Otele came closest to equalizing with his shot in the 64th minute, which only hit the post.
With the defeat, Basel are now also under pressure in the Europa League. Today’s defeat in Belgium was definitely not planned. Points are essential in the home game against Aston Villa in mid-December if the Basel team wants to winter in Europe.
