Basel win at Letzigrund
Basel came away from Zurich with three points after a 2:1 victory at the Letzigrund on Friday evening. The visitors took the lead through Kazeem Olaigbe before Žan Celar added a second from the spot, and Philippe Keny's penalty for the hosts could not change the outcome.
The opening goal came from a spot-kick in the eighth minute when Philippe Keny found the net for Zurich. Olaigbe doubled the advantage for Basel with a goal in the 62nd minute, and Celar sealed the result with his own penalty in the 85th minute after the VAR review flagged Akpe Victory's challenge.
There were substitutions throughout the second half, with Basel bringing on Leandro Schödler in injury time while Zurich made four changes including Kevin Spadanuda and Sebastian Walker. The hosts had more shots on target but could not convert, while Basel created fewer big chances yet were more clinical.
Zurich had 41 per cent possession compared to Basel's 59, and the visitors dominated in passes into the final third with 85 to 61. Basel also registered more attacks at 119 against 83, though the hosts made more clearances and had more shots within the penalty area.
The result keeps Basel third in the table with ten points from six games, while Zurich remain ninth on two wins and six points. The hosts have lost four of six matches this season, and the away end never stopped despite the pressure.