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© Reuters
CSKA joined Ludogorets and became the second Bulgarian team to play in the Europa League groups. The Reds achieved a resounding victory over “Basel” with 3: 1 as guests in Switzerland.
The Reds’ success is even more valuable after Stamen Belchev’s team managed to reverse the result. Until the 72nd minute, CSKA lagged behind in the result.
Thiago Rodríguez made a great contribution to the victory. The Portuguese appeared from the bench and scored two of the Bulgarian team’s goals at 72 and 88 minutes. The third goal was scored by Ahmed Ahmedov in added time.
This is the first case in 10 years in which two Bulgarian teams will play in the Europa League groups. For the last time in 2010, “Levski” and CSKA were in the group stage of the tournament at the same time.
The first part of the match featured cautious play by both teams. Basel was a bit more insistent, trying to pressure the Reds on the wings.
After the break, the game was much more interesting, with more positions in front of both gates. In the 54th minute, “Basel” took the lead from a penalty for a violation by Valentin Antov against Pulyulyu. In an attack from the right, Widmer took care of two Reds defenders, the ball reached the area around the penalty spot and Antov missed the Swiss forward.
From the penalty spot Arthur shot into the right corner of Gustavo Busato and scored.
After this minute, CSKA became more active and came much more boldly in the top positions. Reds coach Stamen Belchev released Thiago Rodríguez onto the field and the Portuguese changed his team’s game.
In the 72nd minute, Thiago easily edged two Basel players to equalize with a powerful shot from about 20 meters.
© Reuters
The goal surprised the hosts and CSKA felt they had their chances. In the 88th minute Thiago scored for the second time. This happened from a direct free kick, and after a happy rebound the ball went through the door.
In added time, “Basel” tried to equalize and score in extra time, but this only allowed CSKA to reach the third goal. Another reserve, Ahmed Ahmedov, became its author after a pass from Rafael Enrique.
