Europa League: FCB wins a fine victory against Stuttgart

Europa League group stage

FC Basel returns to European competition with two contrasting faces: in the Europa League, the Rhine club displays decent attacking efficiency, while in the Champions League, the statistics highlight the difficulty of competing with the top teams. An analysis of the statistics and the challenges ahead.

FC Basel: Between flashes of brilliance and vulnerabilities, the European challenge continues

FC Bâle – VFB Stuttgart 2:0

3’ 1:0 A. Ajeti 84’ 2:0 X. Shaqiri (M. Broschinsky l ‘a poussé de la tête mais il semblerait que le ballon était déjà rentré ! )

A club accustomed to European competition

FC Basel is no newcomer to the European stage. With four historic qualifications to the round of 16 of the Champions League (2002-03, 2011-12, 2014-15 and 2017-18) and a Europa League semi-final in 2013, St. Jakob-Park has vibrated more than once to the rhythm of great European nights.

Basel is present in both competitions again this season, but its performances vary depending on the competition.

The numbers that speak for themselves

Europa League: 3 goals scored in 2 matches (1.5/match), 2 goals conceded (1/match), average possession (46.1/3), average pass completion (76.5/3). Champions League: 1 goal scored in 2 matches (0.5/match), 3 goals conceded (1.5/match), average possession (49.5/3), average pass completion (86.5/3).

These statistics reveal a paradox: in the Champions League, Basel manages to control the ball better and play cleaner passes, but this control doesn't translate into goals. Conversely, in the Europa League, the team is more clinical in front of goal, even if its technical precision is lower.

The clash against Stuttgart

In their Europa League group, Basel are preparing to face Stuttgart, the current German Cup winners. The match is expected to be a real test.

«"It's a high-risk match, but we know that the atmosphere in Basel can transform our team," a member of the Basel staff remarked. On the German side, coach Sebastian Hoeneß reiterated that he "didn't see Stuttgart as an underdog," while emphasizing that "playing at St. Jakob-Park is never a walk in the park.".

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths: a team experienced in European competitions, an ability to rise to the occasion at home, and decent attacking efficiency in the Europa League. Weaknesses: a lack of efficiency in the Champions League, a sometimes shaky defense (1.5 goals conceded per game in the Champions League), and sterile possession.

The verdict

FC Basel remains a club capable of European brilliance, but its statistics show that it still lacks consistency and composure in big matches. Against Stuttgart, there's a great opportunity to confirm its attacking prowess and reassert itself as a force of Swiss football on the continental stage.

It's a shame Shaqiri isn't part of the selection of the Swiss team The star of the championship announced his international retirement after the last Euro.