Basel advances in Champions League by beating Benfica 2-0
By Associated Press | Published: 06th December 2017 11:40 AM |
Last Updated: 06th December 2017 11:40 AM | A+A A- |
Basel's Mohamed Elyounoussi, left, scores the opening goal during the Champions League group A soccer match between SL Benfica and FC Basel at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. | AP
LISBON: Basel advanced to the Champions League knockout rounds by beating Benfica 2-0 with another perfect start in their last group game on Tuesday.
Norwegian forward Mohamed Elyounoussi headed in a right cross from Michael Lang five minutes into the match.
When Basel thrashed Benfica 5-0 at home in September, Lang scored in the second minute.
The Swiss champion finished second in Group A, three points behind Manchester United, which came from a goal down to beat CSKA Moscow 2-1 at Old Trafford.
"We've come a long way, the progress in the last two to three months has been good," Basel coach Raphael Wicky said. "Twelve points is unbelievable."
Moscow was another three points behind Basel to make the Europa League.
Benfica completed a poor campaign without a single point and only a single goal scored.
"We weren't inferior to Basel but mistakes are costly," Benfica coach Rui Vitoria said. "We always want things to run well, but this season we are in a negative mood. We had a run of situations that weren't normal in the Champions League. We didn't win and we are sad for it."
The Portuguese side didn't look resigned despite resting several regular starters, and pressed for an equalizer. But it was the visitors who created better scoring chances on quick counters.
In the second half, forward Dimitri Oberlin doubled the lead by netting a header from close range to send the Swiss side to the knockout phase for the first time since the 2014-15 season.
