FC Basel beats FC Zurich 2-1 after late penalty and stoppage-time VAR review
Second-half goals from Kazeem Olaigbe and Zan Celar overturned an early deficit at the Letzigrund, securing Basel a sixth consecutive derby win over Zurich.
Early penalty and first-half pressure
FC Basel secured a 2-1 away victory against FC Zurich at the Letzigrund on Saturday evening, recording their sixth consecutive win in the Swiss Klassiker. The home side opened the scoring in the eighth minute after Miguel Reichmuth flicked the ball over defender Akpe Victory and fell in the penalty area. Referee Anojen Kanagasingam awarded a spot-kick without video assistant referee (VAR) intervention, which Philippe Keny converted past Basel goalkeeper Mirko Salvi. Zurich maintained defensive discipline throughout the remainder of the first half, while Basel struggled to create clear opportunities. Asane Sow saw an effort blocked by defender Lindrit Kamberi, before Bledian Krasniqi cleared a Becir Omeragic header off the line directly beneath the crossbar to preserve Zurich's 1-0 advantage into the break.
Basel turnaround and VAR intervention
Basel manager Stephan Lichtsteiner altered the dynamic in the 52nd minute by introducing playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri from the substitutes' bench. The visitors equalized ten minutes later in the 62nd minute, when Zan Celar played in Kazeem Olaigbe, who struck a shot into the net off the underside of the crossbar. Basel increased the tempo, with Zurich goalkeeper Heinz Lindner saving a Shaqiri free kick before Sow hit the post from the subsequent corner in the 76th minute. The decisive phase arrived in the 85th minute after Alexander Hack held and pulled Victory in the penalty area following another Shaqiri set piece. Kanagasingam initially allowed play to continue, but awarded a penalty to Basel after a review at the pitchside monitor, which Celar converted into the bottom corner.
- Philippe Keny scores penalty for FC Zurich after Akpe Victory fouls Miguel Reichmuth
- Stephan Lichtsteiner brings on substitute Xherdan Shaqiri for FC Basel
- Kazeem Olaigbe equalizes for Basel via the underside of the crossbar
- Asane Sow hits the post for Basel from a Xherdan Shaqiri corner
- Zan Celar scores VAR-awarded penalty after Alexander Hack fouls Akpe Victory
- Basel goalkeeper Mirko Salvi makes reflex save to deny Lindrit Kamberi header
- Referee overturns FC Zurich handball penalty after pitchside VAR review
Stoppage-time defense and overturned penalty
Zurich pushed for an equalizer across six minutes of stoppage time, creating multiple scoring chances against Basel's backline. Keigo Tsunemoto blocked a close-range attempt from Umeh Emmanuel in the 92nd minute, before Salvi preserved the lead in the 94th minute by tipping away a header from Kamberi. Controversy peaked ten seconds before the final whistle when Kanagasingam awarded Zurich a penalty after Jonas Harder struck the arm of Flavius Daniliuc from close range. The referee reversed the decision following a brief VAR review on the pitchside screen, ending Zurich's hopes of avoiding defeat. The result extended Zurich's winless run in the derby fixture, with their last Klassiker triumph dating back to 21 September 2024.
Managerial pressure and upcoming fixtures
The victory provided respite for Lichtsteiner, whose position as head coach had come under scrutiny during the week. Lichtsteiner made several squad selections prior to kickoff, leaving 34-year-old Shaqiri on the bench for the third time, omitting 29-year-old striker Albian Ajeti from the match sheet entirely, and calling up 17-year-old Jean Doucoure to the first-team squad for the first time. Club management had previously dismissed former coach Ludovic Magnin in January, also shortly after a Klassiker victory against Zurich. Both teams return to Swiss Super League action next Saturday, with FC Zurich traveling to face Lausanne-Sport and Basel visiting Young Boys in Bern.
