Manchester City’s Premier League dominance was reflected in the Champions League as they saw off Basel at St. Jakob-Park. They are coasting domestically, requiring a maximum of six wins from eleven games to win the title, and have now given themselves a similar cushion in their last 16 tie ahead of Basel’s visit to the Etihad next month.
Goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, and Sergio Aguero meant Pep Guardiola’s side had ended this contest before it was even a quarter of the way through. There were a total of 157 minutes left in the tie when Aguero bagged the third and had the Basel rearguard hanging around their defensive third like a formation of scared statues.
English sides have traditionally struggled away to Basel, but not this one. They steamrollered their way through their opponent and to the next stage of the competition, but there were a couple of hairy moments early on.
City’s high line was threatened by the pace of Dimitri Oberlin and they only narrowly escaped real danger a couple of times. A ball over the top from left wing-back Blas Riveros sent Oberlin free, and though Ederson was flying out of his area as usual he was beaten to the ball by the pacy winger who, luckily for the Brazilian goalkeeper, could only get a slight touch on the ball and the danger passed. Valentin Stocker had a similar chance later on but, like his team-mate, he couldn’t make a connection with the ball at the vital moment.
Oberlin could, and perhaps should have had a penalty moments later. He nudged the ball past Nicolas Otamendi ready to use his pace to sprint after it, but was barged to the floor by the Argentine.
Referee Jonas Eriksson had a think and sheepishly waved away the appeals. It was a turning point in the game as City were ruthless from then on, turning the Swiss side’s defence into a quivering mess.
Gundogan headed the first from a Kevin De Bruyne corner which was typically wicked, but poorly defended by Basel.
Just four minutes later Raheem Sterling crossed left-footed from the wing and the ball found its way to the opposite side where Bernardo had remained in space, giving himself the time to pick his spot as the ball landed in his vicinity.
The game, and the tie, was all but over when Aguero became the beneficiary of a Fernandinho surge through midfield. The Brazilian was tackled by Leo Lacroix, but the ball fell fortunately to Aguero who had Tomas Vaclik rooted to the spot from 25 yards.
Vaclik’s reaction, or lack of it, summed up his side’s defence as they withered, then froze under City pressure.
After toying with their opposition for the rest of the half, the voracious visitors ended the half having had 79 percent possession. For the rest of the game it was a case of how many more for City, rather than considering the prospect of a way back in for Basel.
The fourth came from Gundogan, this time from his boot rather than his head. Aguero piled through midfield, found the German on the edge of the area, and he beat Vaclik in a similar manner to the way Aguero had in the first half. At least the Czech goalkeeper dived on this occasion, albeit to no avail.
Fernandinho and De Bruyne, smelling blood, tried further shots for distance but the next real big chance fell to Oberlin at the far post, but he headed wide of the upright not even finding the side-netting.
Mohamed Elyounoussi tested Ederson as the home side enjoyed a short spell with the unfamiliar round white thing at their feet, and their flurry of efforts on goal which also included an Oberlin free kick brought the shot count level.
Gundogan almost had a hat-trick but Vaclik produced an excellent save from close range as the midfielder looked to fire home Aguero's cross on the half-volley. The goalkeeper was growing into the game but it was too late. The damage was done and Basel will do well not to suffer similarly in three week’s time.
Guardiola’s side are taking it in turns putting in the standout performances, but throughout the team they have steadily performing stars who, so far, are coming up big when needed. Tonight was the turn of Gundogan to claim the most goals of the haul, and possibly the headlines, but he had plenty of support from those around him.
Apart from a couple of shaky moments in defence early on, this was an excellent team display with Fernandinho fueling the engine and Aguero driving from the front. And even on what was a day off by the ridiculously high standards he’s set for himself this season, De Bruyne still bagged an assist.
