Basel celebrate their third win in a row thanks to an outstanding Xherdan Shaqiri. Coach Fabio Celestini's team won 6:1 at bottom-placed Winterthur.
When Basel announced the return of Xherdan Shaqiri in mid-August, the question arose as to what the 33-year-old was still capable of after a difficult time with the Chicago Fire. After understandably needing some time to get up to speed, he was bursting with enthusiasm in Winterthur. He set up the first two goals and the 4:0 (48'), and scored the 3:0 himself in the 33rd minute by curling the ball into the left corner with his left foot. In the first seven games of the season for FCB, Shaqiri had only scored from the penalty spot in the Cup. He also scored an assist.
The 1:0 from Kevin Carlos (8'), who had scored twice in the previous match against St. Gallen (2:1), came from a Shaqiri corner kick. The 125-time Swiss international made it 2-0 (25') with a sensitive pass into the box to Bénie Traoré, who volleyed the ball into the net. This goal alone was worth the price of admission. Before Romario Baro made it 4:0, Shaqiri produced a brilliant move in the penalty area.
Winterthur are thus still waiting for their first full win against FCB since their promotion to the Super League in 2022. Two draws now contrast with six defeats. Overall, it was the 16th winless game in a row for the Zurich side against Basel. The last win dates back to April 5, 1975 (2-0).
SDA
