It was match-day 5 of 6 in the 2017-18 UEFA Champions League group stage, and Manchester United took on FC Basel at the St Jakob-Park. United won all four of their games in this group prior to this one and would remain top, regardless of this game’s result.
Firstly, I didn’t have all the games live on TV, so while I was watching Madrid’s game on television, I decided to stream the rest in multiple windows. If you too have the same issue, click here to know how to avail of 1xBet’s FREE live streaming facility.
Now, coming to the game. Starting lineups:
Basel: Tomas Vaclik, Marek Suchy, Eder Balanta, Manuel Akanji, Michael Lang, Luca Zuffi, Serey Die, Raoul Petretta, Renato Steffen, Dimitri Oberlin, Mohamed Elyounoussi.
Manchester United: Sergio Romero, Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian, Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard, Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku.
The match kicked off at 1:15 am IST, and as usual, Manchester United were enjoying a good percentage of possession early on in the game; they were playing in white today while Basel were in their usual blue and red. Pogba fans would be happy to see him back!
12th minute: This was a good minute for the away team as it not only brought in their first shot on target, but also their second. First, Lukaku missed a one-on-one with the Basel goalkeeper and then Fellaini’s header almost made its way through, before it was stopped by a defender on the line.
33rd minute: A foul on Pogba gives United a chance with a free-kick, at a promising position. Blind & Pogba take positions, and Pogba takes the shot which flies high and was also wide of the target. Scores still 0-0.
Surely, a win won’t be the only reason to celebrate tonight:
Two #MUFC birthdays to celebrate today – have a good one, @ChrisSmalling and @Fellaini! ? pic.twitter.com/7eajSdc0jW
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 22, 2017
Half-time at the St Jakob-Park and we’re still goalless, sadly. Not much to tell you guys from that half except that Manchester United are taking their own sweet time, enjoying 68% possession at the moment, but only having taken 3 shots on target. I think they should be more attacking in the second half!
No substitutions made as we begin the second half. If United want to take three points today, they will really need to improve on their finishing skills in this half. 5 minutes into the 2nd half and I’m noticing much more intent in the Basel players. Can’t say the same about the visitors thus far.
66th minute: Another change and this time it’s Matic on for Pogba.
Fans wants Ibra now:
Get Mufasa on #MUFC @Ibra_official pic.twitter.com/8AoJBGXSkb
— Boba Fett (@SeanyBramah) November 22, 2017
74th minute: There he is! That’s the change everyone wanted. Ibrahimovic on for Martial. Has Mourinho waited too late for this change? Ibra has 15 minutes to work his magic for United!
You can here the Basel fans loud and clear now, making a lot of noise. They sense an unlikely draw against Manchester United here!
89th minute: What a surprise, and that’s surely a wrap on the game. We knew it was going to be three points but we didn’t know it was going to go to BASEL. GOAAALLL! Pass from the left wing and easily netted by the Basel forward!
Well what can I say? A huge disappointment for Manchester United fans!
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