Basel vs FC Copenhagen Prediction & Betting Tips (20 August)

FC Basel will host FC Copenhagen in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff tie, with the Swiss side aiming to overturn a narrow deficit after losing 1-0 in the first leg. Basel’s recent acquisition of German striker Moritz Broschinski from VfL Bochum adds a fresh attacking option to manager Fabio Celestini’s squad, which has struggled for consistency in front of goal. Xherdan Shaqiri remains Basel’s talisman, leading the team with 18 goals this season, while Bénie Traoré and Kevin Carlos have chipped in with 13 each. Basel’s home form at St. Jakob-Park has been solid, and they’ll need every ounce of that advantage to edge past a well-drilled Copenhagen side.

FC Copenhagen, under the guidance of Jacob Neestrup, have been in impressive form both domestically and in Europe. Despite a recent 3-2 loss to AGF Aarhus that ended their unbeaten run in the Danish Superliga, the team remains top of the table and confident heading into the clash. Rodrigo Huescas has emerged as a standout performer, showcasing his versatility and technical prowess in midfield. Magnus Mattsson, with three goals in the Champions League qualifiers, has been instrumental in Copenhagen’s attacking transitions, while Mohamed Elyounoussi and Andreas Cornelius bring experience and creativity to the forward line.



The tactical battle will likely hinge on midfield control and defensive discipline. Basel will look to dominate possession and exploit set pieces, especially with Shaqiri’s delivery and Broschinski’s aerial threat. Copenhagen, on the other hand, will rely on their structured pressing and quick counterattacks, with Mattsson and Huescas pivotal in transitioning play. Neestrup’s side has shown resilience in away fixtures, including a commanding 5-0 win over Malmö in the previous round, but Basel’s urgency and home crowd could tilt the balance.

With both teams possessing quality and motivation, a tightly contested match is expected. Basel’s need to overturn the deficit will push them forward, and Copenhagen’s counterattacking style could expose gaps. However, given Basel’s attacking reinforcements and Copenhagen’s recent defensive lapses, a 2-1 victory for Basel seems a plausible outcome—enough to level the aggregate score and potentially force extra time. The margins are thin, but Basel’s hunger and tactical tweaks may just be the difference.