On May 19, 2019, FC Basel hosted FC Thun in a Swiss Super League match at St. Jakob-Park, Basel. FC Basel secured a comfortable 3-1 victory over Thun, solidifying their position as runners-up in the league.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- FC Basel: 3 (Raoul Petretta 31′, Albian Ajeti 40′, Samuele Campo 67′)
- FC Thun: 1 (Dejan Sorgić 79′)
- Possession:
- FC Basel controlled the game with 60% possession, while FC Thun had 40%. Basel’s dominance in possession allowed them to control the tempo and dictate play throughout the match.
- Shots:
- FC Basel registered 16 shots, with 9 on target, showing their attacking efficiency. FC Thun managed 9 shots, with 4 on target, but struggled to break through Basel’s defense for most of the game.
- Passing Accuracy:
- FC Basel had a passing accuracy of 85%, completing 530 passes out of 625 attempts. FC Thun had a passing accuracy of 77%, completing 340 passes out of 440 attempts. Basel’s superior ball control in the midfield helped them maintain pressure and create chances.
- Defensive Statistics:
- FC Basel made 14 tackles compared to Thun’s 12, reflecting Basel’s ability to press and recover possession quickly. Thun’s defense struggled to cope with Basel’s high tempo and wide play, particularly in the first half.
- Set Pieces:
- FC Basel’s first goal came in the 31st minute through Raoul Petretta, who scored with a powerful shot from the edge of the box after a well-worked set piece. Albian Ajeti doubled Basel’s lead in the 40th minute, converting a cross from close range. Samuele Campo extended Basel’s lead with a free-kick in the 67th minute, curling the ball into the top corner. Thun managed to pull one back in the 79th minute when Dejan Sorgić scored with a header following a well-placed cross.
- Individual Performances:
- Raoul Petretta was one of Basel’s standout performers, scoring the opening goal and providing a strong presence on the left side. Albian Ajeti was also crucial, adding the second goal and linking up well with Basel’s midfield. Samuele Campo’s free-kick was a highlight, showcasing his technical ability. For FC Thun, Dejan Sorgić provided a late spark, scoring their only goal, but was largely isolated throughout the match.
- Tactical Overview:
- Basel, under coach Marcel Koller, played a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on control in midfield and width through their full-backs. Thun, managed by Marc Schneider, used a 4-4-2 formation but found it difficult to match Basel’s intensity and pressing, especially in the first half. Thun tried to push forward later in the match but struggled to create consistent chances.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, both for FC Thun. Miguel Rodrigues was booked in the 43rd minute, and Nikki Havenaar received a yellow card in the 69th minute for fouls aimed at stopping Basel’s attacking play.
- Corners and Offsides:
- FC Basel won 7 corners compared to FC Thun’s 3, reflecting their sustained pressure in the attacking third. Basel were caught offside twice, while Thun were caught offside once, as both teams attempted to push forward and break defensive lines.
Summary
FC Basel’s 3-1 victory over FC Thun was a commanding performance, with goals from Raoul Petretta, Albian Ajeti, and Samuele Campo securing the win. Basel’s dominance in possession and ability to create chances from both open play and set pieces were key to their success. Petretta’s and Campo’s long-range strikes, along with Ajeti’s clinical finish, allowed Basel to build a comfortable lead before Thun’s late consolation goal from Dejan Sorgić.
Basel’s control in midfield and pressing disrupted Thun’s rhythm, and despite Thun’s efforts to push forward in the latter stages, they were unable to turn the tide. The result solidified Basel’s place as runners-up in the Swiss Super League, while Thun, despite their spirited performance, remained mid-table.
This victory also served as a confidence booster for Basel ahead of the Swiss Cup final, where they were set to face FC Thun once again.
