Alexander Frei converts a penalty for Basel's third
(Keystone)
FC Basel almost pulled off a stunning win over English champions Manchester United on Tuesday, coming from behind to lead 3-2 until the final minute.
In what the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper called “Basel’s Coup in Old Trafford”, the Neue Zürcher Zeitung “The FC Basel rollercoaster” and tabloid Blick – not disappointing with exaggeration – “the football thriller for eternity”, Ashley Young rescued the hosts with his 89th-minute equaliser.
In the second of six Champions League group matches, Danny Welbeck scored twice in two minutes in the first half for United, who then collapsed after Fabian Frei pulled Basel’s first goal back in the 58th minute.
Alexander Frei (no relation) headed Basel level two minutes later after meeting Fabian Frei’s cross and then put the Swiss champions in front from the penalty spot in the 76th after Antonio Valencia fouled Marco Streller.
But Young levelled with a downward header in the 89th after meeting Nani’s cross.
The draw leaves United winless and with just two points, while Basel are top of the group with four.
“We were careless – it’s a wake-up call in many ways,” United manager Alex Ferguson said.
Basel’s next Champions League match is against Portuguese club Benfica on October 18.
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