Basel turn up heat on Zürich

The Swiss Super League title race was thrown wide open as FC Basel 1893 triumphed 4-2 against defending champions FC Zürich to close within three points of the league summit.

Six-point game
On an atmospheric afternoon that brought back memories of recent European adventures, more than 34,000 turned out to St. Jakob-Park for what was billed as the test of Basel's championship credentials. Defeat would have seen them slip nine points off the pace with five matches remaining, a draw would also have left the odds firmly against them but victory and their hopes would be renewed – and the majority of the crowd were not disappointed.

Open game
Ivan Rakitic put the home side in front after just eight minutes and it set the tone for an open encounter. Marc Schneider soon levelled with a clever back-heel from close range though Felipe Caicedo restored the lead after the half-hour and, despite earnest Zürich pressure, this time Basel made it stick. Midway through the second half Rakitic made it 3-1 with a fierce drive that took a favourable deflection off Steve von Bergen.

Majstorovic penalty
It was the cue for the home team to defend deeper, slow the game down and look to pounce on the counterattack. It almost proved their undoing. With eight minutes remaining Sebastien Kollar made it 3-2 to set up a grandstand finish as Zürich piled forward before the hapless Von Bergen conceded a last-gasp penalty that Daniel Majstorovic gratefully converted.