FCB wins the Klassiker in Zurich 2-1 after late penalty from Celar

The decisive moment came in the 85th minute: following another Shaqiri free kick, Alexander Hack brought on substitute Akpe Victory down in the penalty area. Referee Anojen Kanagasingam immediately pointed to the spot. "Im Anschluss an einen weiteren gefährlichen Shaqiri-Freistoss brachte Alexander Hack Akpe Victory zu Fall. Den fälligen Penalty verwandelte Zan Celar zum 2:1 (85.)", the match report stated. Zan Celar made no mistake and converted coolly.

VAR decision sparks debate

What stood out was that the video assistant referee (VAR) did not intervene to review the incident. According to the match report, the VAR team did not step in. Kanagasingam's decision stood and the goal counted. The Zurich players protested but were unable to have the call overturned.

Celar's strike put Basel on course to victory, even though the match grew tense again in the closing stages. FCZ threw everything forward in the remaining minutes, searching for an equalizer, but the Basel defense held firm. After five minutes of stoppage time, referee Kanagasingam blew the final whistle and FCB were able to celebrate the away Klassiker win.

For FCZ coach Philippe Kény, the defeat was particularly painful given that his team had been the equal of Basel over large parts of the encounter. Basel profited from its individual quality, in particular from Shaqiri's set pieces, which ultimately shaped the game in decisive fashion. Detailed statistics on possession and shots on goal were not yet available at the time of reporting.

Outlook on the upcoming fixtures

Beyond the sporting side, the role of the VAR drew the most debate. The fact that such a penalty in such an important match was allowed to stand without review raises questions about the line the video assistants are taking on fouls in the box. Basel's victory was ultimately a narrow one, even though the Zurich side were unable to force a second equalizer.

With the away win, FCB consolidates its place at the top of the table, while FCZ is left to digest a frustrating home defeat. Both sides face further league opponents next week. The Zurich side already have a makeup game away on Wednesday before the next round of fixtures takes place on Sunday.