1 goal is enough: FCZ beat a harmless FCB thanks to a compact defensive sport

• FC Zurich beat FC Basel 1-0 in the classic.
• Antonio Marchesano advanced to Matchwinner in the 46th minute.
• FC Basel manage only 2 shots on goal.

Stand compactly and dot the front with direct play – this tactic led FC Zurich to a well-deserved second straight win under the guidance of interim manager Massimo Rizzo. And that of all things in the classic against FC Basel, which produced an incredibly poor performance.

The quick start in the 2nd half

Less than 30 seconds were played in the 2nd half in Letzigrund, when flashy FCZ striker Assan Ceesay withdrew the ball from the corner flag and placed it dangerously on Basel’s goal. Antonio Marchesano actually only had to strain his head to lead Zurich 1-0. This advantage was absolutely fine considering the scoring possibilities.

Because already in the first half the hosts were the most dangerous team, even if FC Basel had more play. Ceesay had two chances to take the lead in the first quarter of an hour (14th and 16th minute), but both times they found his master in FCB goalkeeper Djordje Nikolic from a promising position.

The Basel offensive does not take place

The guests of Basel, however, did not find the key to the entire match to break through the defensive compact of FCZ. Typical of this: only 2 shots on goal at the goal of Zurich entered the statistics until the 95th minute. After a convincing 3-1 win in St. Gallen, the Basel side suffered a setback with this well-deserved defeat and remained fifth in the standings, while FC Zurich jumped to sixth.