Basel versus Zurich – For the first time in 7 years: The “classic” is a top fight – sport
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For a while it was THE duel in Swiss football: the “classic” between FC Basel and FC Zurich.
In the 60s and 70s, but also in the 2000s, the clubs in the major Swiss cities played matches at the highest level. In the last few seasons, however, the FCZ went through a bear market, which is why the games with the FCB were no longer top duels and for a long time were also one-sided.
The last time the “classic” was played between the first and second of the Super League was on November 30, 2014. Back then, Basel won 2-1 at Letzigrund thanks to two goals from Shkelzen Gashi.
The low in Zurich now seems to be over. Last season, when they were only ranked 8th in the Super League, they scored 9 points in 4 games against Basel. More than ever before. FCB coach Patrick Rahmen has been warned, also because of the strong start to the season: “FCZ is a solid team and has so far shown impressive performances.”
Different styles of play
André Breitenreiner, also the man who brought the people of Zurich back to their former strength, also finds praise for the opponent on Sunday: “The Basler are very good on the ball and play well-cared for football.”
The statistics prove the FCZ coach right. With an average of 55%, Basel has the second most ball possession in the league. The urban breeders are in this statistic at the end of the table (41%). In return, the FCZ wins the most duels in the league (53%). So the styles of play are also different, both are successful. So successful that the winner of the direct duel on Sunday will be at the top of the table.