On April 12, 2025, FC Basel put on a stunning display against FC Zurich, securing a commanding 4-0 victory at Letzigrund Stadium. The match, attended by 23,130 eager fans, showcased the brilliance of Xherdan Shaqiri, who delivered a masterclass performance that left no doubt about Basel's dominance.
The scoring opened in the 10th minute when new signing Philip Otele, a Nigerian player on loan, found the back of the net with a well-placed shot, assisted by Traoré. Just before halftime, Shaqiri made his mark, shaking off defenders in the box to score a spectacular goal that hit the underside of the crossbar before bouncing in. This goal propelled Basel to a 2-0 lead going into the break, despite FC Zurich having had the better of the statistics up to that point.
After the halftime break, Shaqiri continued to shine, scoring a direct free kick in the 52nd minute that curled beautifully into the top corner, extending the lead to 3-0. His performance was nothing short of sensational, as he not only scored but also provided crucial assists, bringing his season tally to an impressive 13 goals and 14 assists.
The fourth goal came from Otele again in the 58th minute, assisted by Ajeti, solidifying Basel's control over the match. While Basel had three additional goals disallowed for offside, their attacking prowess was evident throughout the match. The first half had seen FC Zurich create two significant chances, but their inability to convert those opportunities proved costly.
FC Zurich's coach, Ricardo Moniz, fielded a young squad, including three 18-year-old players: Miguel Reichmuth, Cosimo Fiorini, and David Vujevic. Unfortunately for Zurich, their youth showed as they struggled to contain Basel's experienced side. The defensive errors were glaring, particularly at the first two goals where poor positioning and miscommunication allowed Basel to capitalize.
Despite the loss, FC Zurich remains in the race for the championship group but must address their defensive frailties. They currently sit three points ahead of Lausanne and four points ahead of St. Gallen, who have a game in hand. With a crucial match against the Young Boys coming up on Easter Monday, Zurich's prospects for the remainder of the season hang in the balance.
Basel's victory not only cements their position at the top of the league but also sends a clear message to their rivals. With a seven-point lead over Servette and an eight-point gap to YB, they are poised to enter the championship round with confidence. The team’s performance, particularly that of Shaqiri and Otele, has fans buzzing and hopeful for the remainder of the season.
As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 4-0, but the match could have ended with an even higher tally for Basel. In the final moments, Kevin Carlos scored a goal that was ruled offside, as was another attempt by Ajeti. The VAR checks confirmed the decisions, leaving Zurich to breathe a sigh of relief that the scoreline did not reflect an even heavier defeat.
In summary, FC Basel's emphatic win over FC Zurich showcased their attacking strength and tactical superiority. Xherdan Shaqiri's pivotal role in the match highlighted his status as a key player for Basel, while Otele's contributions as a new addition have proven invaluable. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how FC Zurich responds to this setback and if they can regroup ahead of their crucial upcoming fixtures.
