Europa League qualification – Sforza’s successful debut: FCB is in the 3rd round – Sport

• FC Basel jumped their first hurdle on the way to the Europa League, defeating NK Osijek 2-1.
• After a strong first half, Basel dismantled, conceded the next goal and had to shake a lot at the end.
• Ciriaco Sforza passed his baptism of fire as a FCB coach.
• Servette was eliminated against Reims.

In the end, it was a bespoke coaching debut for Ciriaco Sforza. The 50-year-old has held the scepter on the FCB sideline since 1 September. His creed at the start of his tenure: play offensively, push high, have fun.

His players took it seriously in Osijek, Croatia, for at least half. Without a preliminary skirmish, Rotblau seized the dictation of the game, letting the ball and the opponent run and first showing the necessary patience and then the coldness in front of the opposing goal. Here’s what happened to the opening goal in the 18th minute:

• First, Afimico Pululu dances rival defenders on the legs, then accelerates down the left wing and serves Valentin Stocker on the edge of the penalty area. The midfielder is calm in person, shows the big picture and sees Arthur Cabral running towards the far post. The flank fits perfectly, Cabral nods there.

Even before the break, Stocker raised for the guests (44th). Sforza could be satisfied. Still. Because after changing sides, FCB totally lost the thread. Suddenly, the Croats dominated the game, amalgamating several chances for a later goal.

Basel weak at halftime 2

And soon only Sforza could be heard roaring on the sidelines. As if he knew what was coming. At first the “Bebbi” were lucky: goalkeeper Djordje Nikolic defused a Talys bullet through the inside post in the 79th minute. But then it happened: Ante Majstorovic scored in the far corner after a free kick (84th).

After that, tremor was announced for the Basler. With a happy ending. Sforza’s debut was a success. And the dream of the Europa League lives on: on September 24, FCB Anorthosis Famagusta of Cyprus will host the third round.