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Basel
Champions League | Group Stage
Nov 4, 2014 at 7.45pm UK
 
Ludogorets

4-0

Embolo (34'), Gonzalez (41'), Gashi (59'), Suchy (65')
FT(HT: 2-0)

Live Commentary: Basel 4-0 Ludogorets Razgrad - as it happened

Follow live coverage of the Champions League Group B clash between Basel and Ludogorets with Sports Mole.
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Basel climbed up to second in Group B in the Champions League with a 4-0 win over Ludogorets Razgrad at St Jakub Park this evening.

17-year-old Breel Embolo opened the scoring before Derlis Gonzalez doubled the lead in the first half.

Shkelzen Gashi and Marek Suchy both scored their first goals in the competition after the break to complete the rout.

Read how all the action unfolded below:


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Good evening! It's around an hour from kickoff at St Jakob-Park, where Basel will be looking for revenge after losing to Ludogorets two weeks ago. Let's start with a look at the team news...

BASEL STARTING XI: Vaclik, Schar, Suchy, Safari, Zuffi, Frei, Elneny, Xhaka, Gashi, Gonzalez, Embolo

LUDOGORETS STARTING XI: Stoyanov, Angulo, Moti, Terziev, Caicara, Alexnadrov, Espinho, Abalo, Dyakob, Marcelinho, Bezjak

BASEL SUBSTITUTES: Vailati, Degen, Delgado, Diaz, Hamoudi, Calla, Sio

LUDOGORETS SUBSTITUTES: Borjan, Aleksandrov, Abel, Zlatinski, Wanderson, Misidjn, Hamza

Basel are without captain Marco Streller, who is recovering from a slipped disc, while Serey Die misses out after picking up a red card last time out. Meanwhile, Fabian Schar has overcome a knock picked up against Grasshopper at the weekend to take his place in the starting lineup.

Potentially the most notable absentee is Ludogorets defender Yordan Minev. He scored the only goal last time out, sealing the first Champions League win by a Bulgarian side, but a booking that he had picked up earlier in the match rules him out of this tie.

Ahead of kickoff, Basel coach Paulo Sousa told reporters: "The last game hinged on the red card we received on 18 minutes. It helped Ludogorets a lot because it gave them more power in their efficient collective game; it was easier for them to defend and utilise their good counterattacking capabilities. I am not seeking revenge; I am a positive person looking only to win. It will be a well-balanced game. Ludogorets have learnt a lot and improved, they have really matured over the past year."

His opposite number, Georgi Dermendzhiev, said at his pre-match press conference: "This game will be highly tactical, you could say the opposite of the meeting in Sofia on the last matchday. It is clear that Basel must attack and that the first goal will be very important. We are a very young team, and all our achievements speak for themselves. But the pressure at this level is always very high and we need to play to our very best in order to make our fans proud of their team."

Basel have not lost since their defeat to the Bulgarian champions last month. They come into this match off the back of a 2-0 win over Grasshoppers in the Swiss top flight. The visitors are also in superb form, having won their last four matches in all competitions, which includes a 4-0 win in the league at the weekend, in which Abalo netted a brace.

Ludogorets have been something of a surprise in the Champions League this season. The Bulgarian side really weren't expected to compete with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Basel in Group B, but they're the only team not to have been thrashed by the Spanish side, having actually led briefly again the reigning European champions, and they could have stolen a point at Anfield. They must still be seen as a long shot to qualify for the knockout stages, but they're definite contenders for the Europa League spot.

Basel really need a win this evening to keep themselves in contention to qualify for the knockout stage. Their win over Liverpool earlier in the competition had seemingly put them in strong position, but a heavy defeat to Real and their loss last time out currently leaves them bottom in the group, although they are level on points with Liverpool and Ludogorets.

Ludogorets have struggled away from home in Europe over the last year or so. Following away wins over the likes of Lazio and Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League, the Bulgarian side have been on a five-match losing streak away from home in Europe. Their only away fixture so far in the group stage was at Anfield, when an injury-time penalty prevented them sharing the points.

If you want to follow what's happening elsewhere in Group B this evening, we also have live coverage of Liverpool's trip to the Bernabeu to take on unbeaten group leaders Real Madrid. You can also find links to our live commentaries from all of this evening's Champions League matches here.

REFEREE WATCH! It will be French officials taking charge of the match this evening. Stephane Lannoy will be the man in the middle. He's been a FIFA referee since 2006 and officiated at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

Ludogorets midfielder Marcelinho has also been speaking ahead of kickoff. He told ESPN: "It was historic for our small club, for our fantastic fans at the stadium and for all Bulgarians, now we are all up for more. We are level with Basle and Liverpool after three matches. Why can't we go through?"

One player who will be interesting to keep an eye on this evening will be Shkelzen Gashi. The 25-year-old, who joined the club this summer, makes his Champions League debut after an impressive run of six goals in 12 appearances in the Swiss Super League this season.

There's been light rain in Basel for much of the day, but it's started coming down rather heavily in the last 10 minutes, so it looks like it will be rather slippery for the start of the match.

PREDICTION! With the players due to head out in the next couple of minutes it's time for a quick prediction. Ludogorets should be full of confidence and will likely be looking to make it a tricky evening for Basel again. However, facing the Swiss side away from home will surely be a sterner test of the Bulgarian side. With that it mind, I think Basel will pick up a 2-0 win this evening.

The players are ready to make their way out ready for kickoff. Both teams will pose for a photo ahead of kickoff as part of UEFA's ongoing No to Racism campaign. It's a busy night at St Jakub Park, but it's not quite a sellout.

Taulant Xhaka for Basel and Ludogorets's Fabio Espinho will both have to be careful this evening, as a booking would rule them out of the next match. That would be a particular blow for Espinho, as he would miss the chance to play at the Bernabeu.

KICKOFF! Basel get the match underway.

Ludogorets are on the attack early on as Angulo tries to set up Dyakov, but it's a move easily defended by the hosts, who immediately force a corner down the other end as Moti has to divert a Derlis Gonzalez effort behind.

It looks like a mistake from the corner, but it still falls for Fabian Frei, but the captain can't turn it in for the home side.

Embolo battles on the edge of the box to keep hold of the ball, but he manages to beat off a couple of Ludogorets defenders to set up Gonzalez, but his first touch was lacking.

Ludogorets give Embolo far to much space on the edge of the box, but they get away with it as the young striker does an air shot. A cynical shove from Angulo gives Basel a free kick in a dangerous position though.

CHANCE! Zuffi goes straight for goal for Basel, but his free kick is deflected before by a diving stop from Vladislav Stojanov. Basel can't trouble the goalkeeper again from the corner though, as they try a short corner, which doesn't work out. That's two corners that haven't really worked for the hosts now, it looks like they're trying a bit too hard from set pieces.

Embolo makes a quick break from midfield, but he doesn't have anyone forward with him, so he has to take it on himself. He closes in on the Ludogorets box, but Moti closes him down and makes a superb tackle to take the ball away from the striker.

CHANCE! Zuffi sends in a stunning cross from the left wing for Embolo, but the striker is once again frustrated by some strong defending by Moti. It looks like both players have been left a bit shaken up by the collision, but Embolo picking up a leg injury, and Moti having taken a knock to the head. It looks like they'll both be alright to continue though.

There'a another injury problem now as Dani Abalo is left clutching his foot after his boot comes off after tangling with Suchy.

Ludogorets win a free kick in a strong position as Fabian Schar clatters carelessly into Marcelinho. The referee is lenient though, giving the defender a talking to rather than reaching for a card. The visitors waste the opportunity though, as two of them drift offside as the ball is played in.

Sadly for Moti, it looks like his night is done. He tried to play on, but another heavy tackle seems to have finished him off, and he's stretchered off. Ludogorets are temporarily down to 10 as they get a substitute ready.

As if by magic, Moti is back on his feet on the sideline and ready to come back onto the pitch, much to the displeasure of the home fans, who clearly think he was wasting time by calling for the stretcher. It will be interesting to see how much attention he gets from the Basel players now, as he's clearly carrying a bit of a knock.

SUB! The Moti saga is over. After attempting to continue, it appears a hamstring injury has ended the defender's involvement, and he finally heads off, being replaced by Aleksandar Aleksandrov. He certainly hasn't endeared himself to the Basel fans though, as they jeer as he makes his way to the bench.

Basel control the ball in midfield before it's played forward for Embolo. However, he tries to flick the ball on for a teammate rather than taking the shot on himself, only to see that there's no-one there. The home side having really hit their stride yet, although they have created the better of the chances.

The visitors try to catch Basel out with a quick break down the other end, but the final product from Dani Abalo fails to trouble Tomas Vaclik.

CHANCE! What a chance for the visitors! Another quick burst from the middle results in Roman Bezjak flicking the ball on for Abalo, but his shot goes just high. Ludogorets haven't ventured into their opponent's box as often, but they have looked dangerous when they have managed an attack.

CHANCE! After a miss down the other end from Elneny, Alexandrov goes for goal for Ludogorets, and his low strike forces a save from Vaclik, giving the visitors their first corner of the game.

Angulo's corner delivery is dreadful! He completely mis-cues, slicing the ball into the side-netting.

After a decent spell from the visitors, Basel look to apply the pressure again down the other end, but Fabian Schar's shot is deflected behind for a corner, which once again is taken poorly. The corners from both sides have been pretty shocking in this first half.

GOAL! Basel 1-0 Ludogorets Razgrad (Breel Embolo)

Teenage striker Breel Embolo opens his Champions League account with a fine finish to give Basel the lead. Fabian Frei tees the ball up for the 17-year-old, who controls it on his chest before hitting the ball on the half-volley from the edge of the box to break the deadlock. With Liverpool losing in the other Group B game, that could be a vital goal for the Swiss champions.

Basel are on the hunt for a second as they try to set up Gonzalez, but the winger is out-muscled by Angulo at the back. The goal has certainly woken the crowd up too. The atmosphere had fallen a little flat, but it's absolutely rocking at St Jakub Park now.

Basel finally get a corner right, with the ball almost finding Embolo, but the striker is being closely marked by Aleksandrov, and the two players clash heads while battling for the ball. It looks like they're both alright though.

GOAL! Basel 2-0 Ludogorets Razgrad (Derlis Gonzalez)

It's an almost identical goal to the first for Basel, with the only difference being the goalscorer. Frei sends it a high ball from 30 yards out, and it falls perfectly for Gonzalez, who sprints into the box before lashing it past the Ludogorets keeper.

BOOKING! Gonzalez celebrates his goal a little too heartily for the liking of the referee, earning himself the first yellow card of the night.

CHANCE! Basel come within a couple of inches of adding a third as Zuffi wins the ball in midfield before racing towards the box and unleashing a low strike from just outside the area, but it drifted just wide of the left post.

Basel are in complete control now, and surely don't want the half-time whistle to come! Ludogorets are struggling to get the ball away from their opponents, and have event got top goalscorer Marcelinho back to help out at in defence.

PENALTY APPEAL! Ludogorets think that they should be finishing the first half with a penalty as Aleksandrov tries to smash the ball in down the other end, forcing Vaclik to rush out. In doing so, the Basel stopper appeared to trip Marcelinho, but the referee judges that there wasn't a foul.

CHANCE! Gashi unleashes a powerful effort from the edge of the box on the stroke of half time, but his finish lacked accuracy, failing to trouble the keeper.

HALF TIME: Basel 2-0 Ludogorets Razgrad

After a strong finish to the first half, Basel lead Ludogorets 2-0 at the interval, a result which, as things stand, would move them back up to second in Group B.

The sides had been quite evenly-matched in the opening 30 minutes, but a moment of brilliance for Fabian Frei and a superb finish from Breel Embolo gave the home side the lead, before Derlis Gonzalez fired in shortly after. In truth, it could have been a lot more for the hosts at the break, as the Bulgarian champions really struggled after conceding.

Let's take a look at some of the stats from the opening 45 minutes. Basel just edged the possession with 56%, but they had more than twice as many shots, with eight to Ludogorets's three. Three of the home side's shots were on target, while just one of Ludogorets's efforts troubled Tomas Vaclik in the Basel goal.

Here are some images of the first half from Basel's Twitter account:


Elsewhere in Group B, Real Madrid are in line to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign, as they lead Liverpool 1-0 at the break in Spain this evening. If they maintain their lead throughout the second half, Liverpool could end the night at the bottom of the group.

The players are back out ready for the start of the second half.

KICKOFF! Ludogorets get the second half underway

SUB! The visitors have made their second change at the start of this half, bringing on Hamza in place of Bezjak, who was pretty quiet in the opening 45 minutes.

CHANCE! It's been a bright start by the visitors as they look to get back into the match. Junior Caicara makes a blistering run down the right flank before pulling the ball back for Espinho, but his shot lacks power and is easily cleared.

CHANCE! Down the other end, Embolo almost scores his second of the night as Frei once again provides a dangerous ball in over the top, but this time it's slightly overhit by the Basel captain, and the young striker can't quite get his shot away.

DISALLOWED GOAL! Gonzalez chips the ball in and thinks that he has scored his second of the night, but he was offside as Embolo played the ball forward.

CHANCE! Gashi has not really had much of an impact yet this evening, but he almost found the back of the net then when Elneny pulled the ball back for the winger on the edge of the box, but his attempted lob sailed just over.

CHANCE! The visitors win a corner, and after the initial delivery is cleared, Dyakov tried to smash it in with a low shot from just outside the box, but it was just wide of the target.

CHANCE! Embolo forces a superb save from Stoyanov as he tries to lash in a clearance from a Schar effort, hitting the ball first time, but the keeper just manages to tip it behind. Gashi has a shot from the corner, but his finish is well wide.

GOAL! Basel 3-0 Ludogorets Razgrad (Shkelzen Gashi)

There was nothing the keeper could have done as Shkelzen Gashi marks his Champions League debut with a goal. It was Embolo that set up the goal with a cross from the right, leaving Gashi to smash it in as he sprinted into the box.

SUB! The visitors make their final change of the night, bringing on Anicet Abel for Espinho.

CHANCE! Embolo almost sets up Gashi for another as he picks out his teammate with a superb pass, but Angulo blocks it.

GOAL! Basel 4-0 Ludogorets Razgrad (Marek Suchy)

Marek Suchy piles more misery on the Bulgarian champions as he reacts quickest in the box to tap in from Zuffi's corner delivery. He's a seasoned defender in this competition, but that's actually his first Champions League goal, excluding an own goal he scored in the game against Real Madrid earlier this season.

SUB! Basel make their first change of the game, bringing off the scorer of their second goal, Derlis Gonzalez, for Davide Calla.

Basel are still on the attack as Zuffi tries to set up Gashi to make it five for the hosts, but Terziev makes the block for Ludogorets.

SUB! It's another change for Basel as Shkelzen Gashi makes way for Matias Delgado.

It's quietened down a little since the fourth goal as Basel now just try to run down the remaining time. Ludogorets are still trying to get forward when they can, but it's really a bit of a lost cause for the visitors now.

Hamza tries to set something up for Ludogorets as they try to pull one back, but his ball into the box is comfortably cleared by Zuffi.

Frei has set up two goals already this evening, and looks for a hat-trick of assists, but his ball into the box misses his teammates.

SUB! It's a standing ovation from the crowd for the influential captain as he makes his way off, with Marcelo Diaz coming on for the final 10 minutes.

BOOKING! Marcelinho has made a few rather clumsy challenges in the last few minutes, and it's added up to a yellow card for Ludogorets's top goalscorer.

CHANCE! Taulant Xhaka tries to add to the score with a rare effort from the defender, but his curling attempt just misses the top scorer.

Basel look like they're just trying to keep the ball, but a gap opens up and Embolo tries to take advantage of it, but the Ludogorets keeper just gets his fingertips to it.

Ludogorets have just two minutes of stoppage time to try and stop Basel from getting a fifth.

There's a concern for Aleksandar Aleksandrov as he goes down clutching his foot. The visitors have already made all three changes, so they'll finish with 10 men if he's unable to carry on.

Basel are just keeping possession among the back four now as the final seconds run down. The crowd don't mind now, they're jumping in the stands as the final whistle approaches.

FULL TIME: Basel 4-0 Ludogorets Razgrad

Well, Ludogorets could not make it back-to-back wins against Basel in the Champions League, and the 4-0 hammering leaves the Bulgarian champions bottom in Group B, while Basel climb up to second.

That's all from St Jakob-Park for now, but stick around as we'll have match analysis and player ratings online shortly, and join us again tomorrow for live coverage from eight more matches in the Champions League. Until then, thanks for joining me this evening. Goodbye.

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Referee Deniz Aytekin shows a red card to Basel's midfielder Geoffroy Serey Die during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Ludogorets Razgrad and FC Basel 1893 at the Vassil Levski stadium in Sofia on October 22, 2014
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