By Chris
November 22 2017
FC Basel 1893 claimed a second ever win over Manchester United, with a late Michael Lang handing the Swiss side a 1-0 home win. Uefa Champions League qualification looks near-certain for the Red Devils, but the late winner means it is not yet mathematically certain.
Jose Mourinho’s men dominated in Switzerland for long periods, but failed to turn swathes of possession into goals.
Marouane Fellaini and Marcos Rojo both fired chances against the woodwork, but Basel's resolute defence denied United a half-time lead.
The home side were far better after the interval, but despite a combined 27 shots throughout the game, matters were not settled until the 89th minute.
Lang popped up to turn home a deep Raoul Petretta cross, as Basel remain neck-and-neck with CSKA Moscow in the likely tussle for the other qualification spot.
United have not had things their own way against Basel historically. This was a second defeat at St. Jakob Park, with the two clubs having shared two wins apiece and two draws since they first locked horns in 2002.
Defeat means the Red Devils could, mathematically, still miss out and instead end up in the Europa League. However, CSKA will need to claim victory at Old Trafford by a six-goal margin for that to happen.
CSKA had beaten Benfica by two goals earlier on during Wednesday's European action. They, and Basel, both sit on nine points in Group A, but the Swiss side has a comfortably superior goal difference.
Full Time - FC Basel 1893 1-0 Manchester United
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