Manchester United were denied a place in the Champions League knockout phase as Michael Lang’s late strike secured Basel a memorable, and deserved, victory.
Jose Mourinho’s men started Group A with four successive victories and could have qualified without even kicking a ball had CSKA Moscow failed to beat Benfica in the early kick-off.
It still appears a case of when rather than if United reach the last 16, but Basel’s late 1-0 win means progress is not yet completely certain ahead of the Russians’ visit to Old Trafford next month.
? Another historic night at St. Jakob-Park ❤️? #FCBasel1893 #UCL pic.twitter.com/O2CpHP2oXO
— FC Basel 1893 EN (@FC_Basel_en) November 22, 2017
What they said
Tweet of the match
Words can’t possibly describe this incredible moment for this club, wow!!!!
Congrats to the team ? https://t.co/qvEOCHoSmN— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) November 22, 2017
Star man – Paul Pogba
32′ – Pogba tries his luck from a free-kick 20 yards out, but it’s wide of the target. #MUFC #UCL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 22, 2017
Looked bright on his second start since sustaining a hamstring injury against Basel when the sides met in September. Was superb on the ball but was taken off in the 66th minute as he became tired. The impact of his exit was noticeable.
Moment of the match
89’ | GOAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL MICHAEL LANG!!!!! 1-0!!!! #FCBMUFC #FCBasel1893 #UCL pic.twitter.com/pwdsZH9vHz
— FC Basel 1893 EN (@FC_Basel_en) November 22, 2017
The dying seconds as Raoul Petretta’s low cross was met at the far post by Lang, sending the Basel faithful wild.
Data point
United failed to keep a clean sheet in Basel – the 14th time an English side have failed to keep a clean sheet there in continental competition.
Player ratings
Deserve that for their second half performance. Darmian not a Manchester United Player
— Keith Gillespie (@KeithGillespie7) November 22, 2017
Who’s up next?
Whet your appetite ahead #BHAFC‘s trip to @ManUtd on Saturday with these stats. #MUNBHA https://t.co/pvNkg0aBXd pic.twitter.com/t7gUfagPhW
— BHAFC ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) November 22, 2017
Luzern v Basel (Swiss Super League, Saturday, November 25)
Manchester United v Brighton (Premier League, Saturday, November 25)
