Basel triumphed over Lugano with a commanding 5-2 victory in an exciting Swiss Super League playoff match, with Xherdan Shaqiri playing a pivotal role in the win.
Despite Lugano taking the lead early in the match, just three minutes in, through Uran Bisilmi’s goal, the celebration was short-lived. Albian Ajeti equalized for Basel just two minutes later, but the game changed when Ajeti was shown his second yellow card in the 33rd minute and sent off.
With Basel now playing with an extra man, Shaqiri took charge of the game, netting an incredible hat-trick. In the 48th minute, he scored the go-ahead goal, assisted by Metinhos, and three minutes later, he added a second. Shaqiri completed his hat-trick in the 58th minute, bringing the score to 4-1.
Leroy scored the fifth goal for Basel in the 61st minute, further extending their lead to 5-2. Although Grgic pulled one back for Lugano with a penalty, Basel maintained their advantage to secure the win.
With this victory, Basel remains at the top of the table with 67 points, while Shaqiri has now amassed 18 goals and 20 assists this season.
