Valencia are looking to make history when they face Basel on Thursday as they have to pull off an amazing comeback to qualify for the Europa League semi finals. Basel won the first leg 3-0 and history is on their side: no side has ever managed to come back from a three-goal first-leg deficit in the Europa League. Matias Delgado bagged a brace in the first leg while Valentin Stocker added a late goal to secure a great win for the home side.
Basel coach Murat Yakin was the captain of the team when they last visited the Mestalla stadium and back then Valencia secured a 6-2 win. This time Valencia are struggling though, they have not won in four matches and their only slightly valid hope of playing in Europe next season would be to win the Europa League. They are strong at home though, having lost just one match since Juan Antonio Pizzi took charge last year. On the other hand Basel have conceded just one goal in five Europa League matches this season.
Coach Pizzi says he was "ashamed" at how his team performed in the first half, but added: "It will be difficult but we will do everything possible to get through in this tie. The last thing we lose is hope." Basel will miss Stocker and Philipp Degen, both injured, while Marek Suchy is suspended. Valencia will be without Diego Alves, Philippe Senderos and Victor Ruiz but captain Ricardo Costa has returned to training following an ankle injury.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Valencia win - 8/13 Draw - 31/10 Basel win - 21/4
mico.femic.1 9 years ago
Valencia has always been a good team and always in a fight with the best. have a good quality game and also the players who know how to show all the best in the field and do their best . basel never liked nor I like his game . used to be a strong team but now are vines and have a lot to work on training and to give their...
Valencia has always been a good team and always in a fight with the best. have a good quality game and also the players who know how to show all the best in the field and do their best . basel never liked nor I like his game . used to be a strong team but now are vines and have a lot to work on training and to give their best on the field and matches. valencia is in my opinion always played well though and they Imai ups and downs.
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pisti0073
10 years ago
Valencia -FC Basel 5-0.This score reflects the Liga BBVA is the best and strongest championship of the world.Both in Champions League and Europa League have two representants in semifinals.
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luminairee
10 years ago
Valencia definitely impressed me yesterday coming 5-3 from 0-3. It was a big surprise for me, a lot of action and definitely one side game for Valencia, I was bit stunned with the final result, was sure Basel will go through but Valencia definitely deserved after yesterday's game. I wonder if they can make it to the final...
Valencia definitely impressed me yesterday coming 5-3 from 0-3. It was a big surprise for me, a lot of action and definitely one side game for Valencia, I was bit stunned with the final result, was sure Basel will go through but Valencia definitely deserved after yesterday's game. I wonder if they can make it to the final now if they keep playing this way.
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pasty
10 years ago
Difficult game for Valencia, to come back from a 3-0 in the first leg, that must be hard, even though they're playing on Mestalla. Basel will go trough the next round, that's what i'm thinking, they do play a better fotball than the opponent and they deserve it. So, i'm with you on this one, luminairee :)
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luminairee
10 years ago
It might be very interesting game, since few seasons we can see Basel really good fighting for their place in European Games. I didnt expect last game that they would win that high. Murat Yakin must be proud of his guys, they do a great job, I personally wish them qualifications , Valencia are still good but they dont impress...
It might be very interesting game, since few seasons we can see Basel really good fighting for their place in European Games. I didnt expect last game that they would win that high. Murat Yakin must be proud of his guys, they do a great job, I personally wish them qualifications , Valencia are still good but they dont impress me this season, this what they show on the field is quite poor recently, even in Spanish league.
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