On March 30, 2025, the FC Basel faced off against FC Winterthur at the packed Schützenwiese, securing a solid 2-0 victory that keeps their title hopes alive in the Super League. The match marked a crucial turnaround for Basel, who had struggled recently, managing only one win in their last six league outings.
The first half was a test of patience for Basel as they dominated possession but struggled to break through Winterthur's resolute defense. Despite having the upper hand, the visitors were unable to convert their control into clear scoring opportunities, ending the first half goalless.
However, the tide turned just after the break. In the 49th minute, Xherdan Shaqiri, the standout player of the match, found the net with a well-placed shot following a setup from Kevin Rüegg. Shaqiri's goal was not only crucial but also marked his tenth of the season, showcasing his importance to the team as they chase the championship.
"It was a necessary win for us today," Shaqiri commented after the match. "We knew it wouldn't be easy playing here, but we had to create chances and not let our defense slip. We managed to do that and deserved the win." His performance included not only the goal but also a pivotal assist for the second goal.
In the 70th minute, Shaqiri turned from scorer to provider, delivering a precise pass through the legs of a Winterthur defender to Bénie Traoré, who finished expertly from a tight angle, doubling Basel's lead. This assist marked Shaqiri's 13th of the season, bringing him just seven assists shy of the all-time Super League record held by Miroslav Stevanovic.
Despite the scoreline, Winterthur had their moments, particularly with a chance from Dario Ulrich that was saved by Basel's goalkeeper, Jonas Hitz. However, the home side's efforts were ultimately thwarted by Basel's defensive organization and the brilliance of Shaqiri.
FC Basel's coach, Fabio Celestini, expressed relief at the victory, especially after the team's recent struggles. "We’ve been under pressure to perform, and today we showed what we’re capable of," he said. "The tank is full, and we’re ready to push for the title with ten rounds left in the season." His words reflect the growing confidence in the Basel camp as they aim for their first league title since 2017.
On the other hand, Winterthur's coach, Uli Forte, acknowledged the gap in quality between the two sides. "We had a plan to defend and counterattack, but we lost the ball too quickly and didn’t create enough pressure on Basel," he lamented. "We saw a clear difference in class on the pitch today."
The match also saw some physical confrontations, with both Shaqiri and Winterthur's Diaby receiving yellow cards for their tussles late in the game. The referee, Fähndrich, added four minutes of stoppage time, during which Basel managed to maintain their composure and control the game.
Looking ahead, FC Basel will face the Grasshoppers on April 3, 2025, while Winterthur will travel to Sion on April 2, 2025. Both teams will be eager to build on their respective performances, with Basel aiming to keep the pressure on league leaders Servette, who currently sit two points ahead.
In summary, this victory was not just a much-needed three points for FC Basel, but a statement of intent as they push for the Super League title. With Shaqiri in such fine form, the team looks poised to make a serious challenge in the final stretch of the season.
