Basel bask in supremacy

Argentinian aces
Indeed, the only setbacks for Basel came in November, when Grasshoppers ended their Swiss Cup campaign and Newcastle United FC eliminated them from the UEFA Cup. Other than that, Argentinian forwards Julio Hernán Rossi and Christian Giménez reigned supreme, supported from midfield by compatriot Mattias Emilio Delgado, meaning that Basel could afford to lose Marco Streller and Hakan Yakin to VfB Stuttgart in January without losing stride.

Champions League assault
A return of 86 goals ensured that not even injury to anchorman Murat Yakin could derail Basel. Christian Gross's men are now ready to mount another assault on the Champions League, backed by the financial muscle of new sponsors Novartis, the pharmaceutical giants.

Young Boys growing
Young Boys had the tightest grip on Basel's coat-tails, despite a disappointing UEFA Cup defeat by Finland's Myllykosken Pallo-47. Evergreen striker Stéphane Chapuisat's 23 goals were the key as Hans-Peter Zaugg's team earned a Champions League qualifying berth. With a new stadium on the way in 2006, Young Boys could be the next force in Swiss football.

Servette enter Europe
Servette FC did well to overcome the financial problems that have cost them a fine and a three-point deduction for next season. Their third-place finish secured a UEFA Cup place. FC Zürich ran them close after a superb run of form after Christmas. As well as inflicting Basel's first defeat of the season on 18 March, Zürich also finished as their city's No1 club for the first time in a decade, outdoing Grasshoppers.

Semi-final classic
Their only upset was an extraordinary 6-5 Swiss Cup semi-final loss to their neighbours. Zürich led 5-2 with seven minutes remaining, but Eduardo scored twice and Mladen Petric once to force extra time, where Richard Nuñez shot Grasshoppers into their 31st final.

Wil delight
Here, however, the favourites were undone by first-time finalists FC Wil 1900, the top division's bottom club, who had spent the season fighting for financial survival. Grasshoppers led 2-1 after 19 minutes, but two goals from Fabinho, sandwiching the sending-off of Grasshoppers' Mihai Tararache, sealed an unlikely victory.

Schaffhausen rise
Nonetheless, Wil's European participation is in doubt due to licensing problems, leaving a possible opening for Grasshoppers. Wil dropped out of the Super League, their place going to FC Schaffhausen, while Neuchâtel Xamax FC finished ninth and must play off against FC Vaduz, who are aiming to represent Liechtenstein in the Swiss top flight.