Wednesday woes for the big guns - Hindustan Times
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Wednesday woes for the big guns

None | ByReuters, Basel
Feb 24, 2012 02:44 AM IST

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.

The humble Swiss team, who qualified for the last 16 at the expense of Manchester United after a momentous victory against the English side, had St Jakob-Park rocking again as substitute Valentin Stocker scored an 86th-minute winner.

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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.





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