On April 6, 2025, FC Basel solidified their position at the top of the Super League with a convincing 2:0 victory over FC Lugano. The match, held at the St. Jakob-Park in Basel, saw the home side respond to pressure from their title rivals with a strong second-half performance, extending their lead to four points.
The first half was a tense affair, characterized by fierce battles and few clear-cut chances. Lugano came out strong, disrupting Basel's rhythm and creating moments of danger. However, the only significant threat came from Uran Bislimi, whose shot was expertly saved by Basel's goalkeeper Marwin Hitz.
Things took a controversial turn in the first half when Basel's Albian Ajeti was shown a yellow card for a tackle on Anto Grgic. Many felt it could have warranted a harsher punishment, but referee Johannes von Mandach opted for a caution. This decision was met with frustration from the home crowd, who believed Ajeti’s tackle was reckless.
As the second half commenced, Basel needed to find a spark to ignite their offense. It wasn't long before they did just that. In the 63rd minute, Xherdan Shaqiri, the team captain and star player, found the net, scoring his 13th goal of the season. The play began with a quick counter-attack initiated by Shaqiri himself, who used a clever heel pass to set up Bénie Traoré. Traoré's shot was parried by Lugano's goalkeeper Amir Saipi, but Shaqiri was perfectly positioned to tap in the rebound, sending the home fans into ecstasy.
“These are the games you have to win as a top team,” said Shaqiri after the match. His goal not only lifted the spirits of his teammates but also seemed to shift the momentum firmly in Basel's favor. Following the goal, the home side ramped up the pressure, creating several chances in quick succession. Anton Kade, who had been brought on as a substitute, was instrumental in the buildup to the second goal.
In the 82nd minute, Kade's persistence paid off as he broke through the Lugano defense and set up Marin Soticek. The substitute made no mistake, slotting the ball past Saipi to double Basel's lead. This goal capped off a perfect week for Basel, who secured three victories in just seven days.
“We wanted to impose our football on Lugano, and we did that in the second half,” Shaqiri added, reflecting on the team's performance. The victory marked Basel's third consecutive win, putting them firmly in control of the title race.
Meanwhile, Lugano faced a disappointing defeat, which left them questioning their efficiency in front of goal. Their goalkeeper Amir Saipi expressed frustration, stating, “If you look at the whole game, it’s not deserved for Basel to win 2:0. They took their chances, and we didn’t.”
Despite their loss, Lugano showed resilience and had moments where they threatened to equalize, particularly when Dominik Schmid made a crucial clearance off the line during a scramble in front of Basel's goal.
The match was witnessed by 28,662 spectators, who created a vibrant atmosphere in the stadium. The supporters were particularly vocal in the second half, cheering their team on as they searched for a way back into the game.
With this victory, Basel not only extended their lead at the top of the Super League but also sent a message to their rivals. Next up, they will face FC Zürich in what promises to be another crucial encounter. Meanwhile, Lugano will seek to bounce back against FC St. Gallen.
As the season progresses, the competition intensifies, and Basel's ability to maintain their form will be put to the test. With their eyes set on the championship, every match will be vital in the coming weeks.
In summary, the match showcased Basel's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, while also highlighting the challenges Lugano faces as they aim to secure their position in the league.
