Wednesday woes for the big guns
Basel produced another Champions League shock as they ventured into uncharted territory in the competition on Wednesday, clinching a dramatic 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich. Quote trail | Match box
Basel produced another Champions League shock as they ventured into uncharted territory in the competition on Wednesday, clinching a dramatic 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich to pile the misery on Germany's biggest club.
Basel, who often play in front of only a few thousand fans in the Swiss league, hit the woodwork twice, then survived long periods of Bayern pressure before snatching victory.
While Basel's players milked the crowd's acclaim, Bayern trooped off thinking the unthinkable.
Their Allianz Arena hosts the final this year but after failing to score an away goal they are in serious danger of their dream being dashed in the last 16.
The Bavarians, who have slipped to third in the Bundesliga after a dip in form, missed the injured Bastian Schweinsteiger, described by coach Jupp Heynckes before the game as the brains of the team and in the same class as Barcelona's Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
Arjen Robben was restored to the starting line-up at the expense of Thomas Mueller, a surprise move by Heynckes which failed to have the desired effect.
Basel's win was a rare boost for Swiss football following the national team's failure to qualify for Euro 2012 and the problems facing their domestic game.