Sabasports Match Preview
Champions League: FC Copenhagen vs Basel
Kickoff Time: 2025-08-28 03:00 (HKT)
Source: Source:REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
FC Copenhagen, the 2024–25 Danish Superliga champions, entered the UEFA Champions League qualifiers from the second round, successively eliminating Kosovo’s top club Drita and Swedish champions Malmo FF. In the first leg, despite Basel’s aggressive foul tactics, Copenhagen firmly controlled the game but failed to secure a lead. In last week’s league match, Copenhagen rotated some key players, clearly saving energy for this crucial encounter. Notable players who did not start include: Danish national team striker Andreas Cornelius (one goal, two assists in UCL qualifiers), Norwegian international Mohamed Elyounoussi (one goal, three assists in UCL qualifiers), attacking midfielder Magnus Mattsson (three goals in UCL qualifiers), Peruvian international full-back Marcos Lopez. During the summer transfer window, Copenhagen strengthened significantly by signing seven players for nearly €20 million, substantially boosting their overall squad depth.
Basel, the 2024–25 Swiss Super League champions, began their campaign in the final playoff round of the Champions League qualifiers. This summer, the team saw two key players depart: defensive midfielder Leon Avdullahu (35 starts last season), striker Kevin Carlos (12 league goals last season). As replacements, Basel signed striker Moritz Broschinski from Bundesliga side Bochum and loaned defensive midfielder Koba Koindredi from Sporting CP. While their overall strength remains similar to last season, the team needs time to gel. In the first leg, central defender Jonas Adjetey received a red card and will be suspended for this match. With third-choice center-back Finn van Breemen still injured, Basel is likely to field their fourth-choice defender, Nicolas Vouilloz (valued at €1.5 million), forcing a defensive reshuffle.
In terms of European experience, Copenhagen holds a clear advantage. Last season, they reached the UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16, only losing to eventual champions Chelsea. Additionally, Basel’s home ground uses artificial turf, while Copenhagen’s pitch is natural grass. This difference may lead to increased passing errors from Basel players, affecting their performance. Playing at home, Copenhagen is expected to seize the opportunity and secure all three points.
FC Copenhagen‘s Last 5 Games: DDWWL
25-08-24 FC Copenhagen 1-1 OB
25-08-21 Basel 1-1 FC Copenhagen
25-08-16 FC Nordsjaelland 1-3 FC Copenhagen
25-08-13 FC Copenhagen 5-0 Malmo FF
25-08-09 FC Copenhagen 2-3 AGF
Basel’s Last 5 Games: DLWWL
25-08-21 Basel 1-1 FC Copenhagen
25-08-10 Lugano 3-1 Basel
25-08-07 Basel 4-1 Young Boys
25-08-03 Basel 2-1 Grasshoppers
25-07-27 St. Gallen 2-1 Basel
Head-To-Head Record
25-08-21 Basel 1-1 FC Copenhagen
Prediction: FC Copenhagen to win