Videoton pick up another three points after a good 2-1 home win over Basel
The weather was rather kind leading up to the game taking into consideration that it is nearly November, with temperatures expected to dip suddenly at the weekend. FC Basel of Switzerland were the second team to visit the Sostoi stadium in the group stages. They did very well last season, having beaten Manchester United 2-1, so there was no doubt in anyone's mind that the task in hand was big for the men from Szekesfehervar. Basel managed to beat Debrecen, two years ago, in the champions league by a 2-0 scorline.
Paulo Sousa fielded a strong side with Stopira once again missing due to a broken shin, which he received in the last group stage game. Young Roland Szolnoki stepped into his place, while Neto, Sandor and Mitrovics were out to make it a tough day at the office for the Basel midfield. Another good crowd of over 8,000 filled the stands at the old stadium, producing a great atmosphere, making sure of another memorable night of European football. The match began with a bang, with Videoton going into a very early 1-0 lead. Brachi's low teasing cross from the right, curled it's way into the middle, with both Nikolics and a visiting defender sticking their leg out to convert the ball past the keeper. The giant scoreboard gave the goal to Basel's Schar, while many in the press box felt that it was in fact Niko who should have been credited with the early goal.
Basel came out following their early setback. They had already taken their fifth corner of the night after just 10 minutes, while Videoton once again showed their defensive skills, which have impressed many over the course of the season so far. There was no serious threat to Bozsovics' goal despite the corner count. Basel did go very close to levelling things after 12 minutes. Streller found the ball at his feet following a free kick, and his good shot brought out a very good save from the giant Montenegro keeper. It was Steller once again after 17 minutes, who threatened the home goal. His shot just skipped past the post, but it was clear that Basel had come to attack and make it a challenging night for the home defence, which was well marshalled by Caneira and Vinicius.
The home crowd then saw Walter escape down the right wing, before his cross into the middle found Sandor, whose strong volley was charged down by a defender. Vidi went down the other end to go 2-0 up on the night after 32 minutes. Despite the fact that Basel had failed to cause any real problems from their 10 corners upto that point, it was Vidi who showed how it should be done with their first! A well practiced set piece ended with Caneira stabbing the ball in from close range to send the home crowd into delight. Stocker twice had efforts in the remainder of the first period, with the home team dealing with any danger that came their way on the night. The teams went in at the break with the score 2-0 to Vidi!
There was very little change to the shape of the game in the second half. Basel had more of the ball, but were finding it hard to get through the home defence, with Bozsovics in good form, when they did get through. Bozo confidently came off his line to collect the corners and crossed when called upon. Streller's shot on 70 minutes produced one of the best saves from the Vidi keeper. The ball appeared to be heading into the right hand side of the net, before Bozsovics suddenly stuck out his hand to keep Vidi's lead in tact.
Nikolics and Oliveira both had efforts on the Basel goal towards the end. Basel had been attacking with virtually ten men uptil that point. The Swiss side did get a consolation goal in the 91st minute following their 15th corner. Schar, who had scored the earlier own goal, headed towards goal, and despite the out stretched hand of Bozsovics making contact with the ball, it ended up in the back of the net, but it was too late for Basel to come back in to the match. The goal was the first that Videoton had conceded in all of their five home Europa league matches at home this season! Genk turned things around in the groups other match, after going a goal down. They scored twice to win and remain top of the group with 7 points. Videoton follow in second with a very impressive 6 points, with Basel third on 2, and Sporting with a single point.
Those inside the stadium witnessed another great night of European football and a very well deserved congratulations go to Paulo Sousa and his side on this 2-1 win.
Author: David Rechnitzer