FC Basel have extended their lead at the top of the Swiss football league with a 2-1 home win over FC Zurich.

Basel's unbeaten record at home had looked in danger during a first half dominated by the visitors. But after taking the lead through Argentinian striker Francisco Guerrero in the 37th minute, FC Zurich were unable to build on their advantage.

Two second half errors by the Zurich defence allowed Hakan Yakin and Ivan Ergic to fire Basel ahead, with the victory that followed enough to take the team four points clear at the top of the division.

Newly-promoted Young Boys of Bern are up to second place, for 24 hours at least, after thrashing Lucerne 5-1 to end the struggling club's recent mini-revival. After pulling off unexpected wins over Grasshoppers Zurich and Aarau, it was back to normal service for the central Swiss club who have now let in 33 goals in their eight away matches this season.

Lausanne remain the only team below Lucerne after going down 2-1 away to Neuchâtel Xamax. The win has lifted Neuchâtel to within a point of the championship round's cut-off line.

On Sunday the three Swiss teams involved in this week's UEFA Cup matches return to domestic action. Servette Geneva and St Gallen could both leap to within two points of Basel by winning their games away to Lugano and Aarau respectively.

Defending champions Grasshoppers Zurich, currently sixth in the Swiss league, will also be looking to get their campaign back on track when they play host to FC Sion.

swissinfo with agencies

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