Keystone
Lugano and Basel put on a top-class performance. The Ticino side were just a few minutes away from victory, which Xherdan Shaqiri prevented with a converted penalty to make the final score 2-2.
Once again, it was Xherdan Shaqiri who proved decisive for FC Basel. It was not enough for the visitors to win in Lugano and thus leap to the top of the table. But their captain and star player prevented the defeat.
Shaqiri’s pass in the 86th minute was preceded by a foul on Bénie Traoré in the Ticino penalty area. The former Swiss international converted the penalty safely. It was his sixth goal of the season. Shaqiri was involved in Basel’s first goal, Kevin Carlos’ 1:0 midway through the first half, with a perfect assist.
While Basel owned the opening and closing phases, Lugano showed their qualities mainly at the start of the second half. After Anto Grgic equalized with a penalty shortly before the break to make it 1:1, the hosts stormed vehemently towards Basel’s goal. Albian Hajdari, the Basel-trained central defender, made it 2:1 in the 53rd minute when the 21-year-old found himself free in the Basel penalty area following a cross. Shortly before, the Luganesi had already hit the post and crossbar.
The draw keeps the top teams close together in the table. Basel, who host Sion next Sunday, are one point behind Lugano, who visit Winterthur on Saturday.
-Telegram:
Lugano – Basel 2:2 (1:1)
4888 spectators. – SR Wolfensberger. – Goals: 24. Kevin Carlos (Shaqiri) 0:1. 45. Grgic (penalty) 1:1. 53. Hajdari (Valenzuela) 2:1. 87. Shaqiri (penalty) 2:2.
Lugano: Saipi; Zanotti (84. Brault-Guillard), Papadopoulos, Hajdari, Valenzuela; Mahmoud, Grgic (71. Doumbia); Steffen, Bislimi (84. Mai), Bottani (57. Mahou); Vladi (71. Koutsias).
Basel: Hitz; Mendes (79. Sigua), Barisic, Adjetey, Schmid (46. Cissé); Avdullahu, Leroy (62. Soticek), Kade (62. Romário Baró); Shaqiri, Traoré; Kevin Carlos (79. Fink).
Remarks: Cautions: 28 Mendes, 36 Leroy, 42 Schmid, 57 Steffen, 74 Cissé, 92 Brault-Guillard.
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