Gavranovic edges Zürich past nine-man Basel

Mario Gavranovic ended nine-man FC Basel 1893's resolve with two extra-time goals at the Stade de Suisse Wankdorf as FC Zürich claimed the Swiss Cup for the first time since 2005.

After a tight first hour the final swung Zürich's way when Gastón Sauro saw red, though it was not until Giovanni Sio was also dismissed nine minutes into extra time that they took advantage. Gavranovic did the damage, heading in the opener almost immediately and tapping in a second six minutes from the end to earn the trophy and with it a place in next season's UEFA Europa League.

It means Zürich have now beaten Basel in all four of their Swiss Cup final meetings, though for many it was a surprise it took so long following Sauro's red card for bringing down Franck Etoundi on the edge of the area. Indeed, Sio went close for Swiss Super League leaders Basel with a long-range effort before Davide Chiumiento rattled the crossbar with eight minutes of regulation time remaining.

Ultimately, the final hinged on the moment midway through the first half of extra time when Sio went down in the penalty area and received a second yellow card for diving. Gavranovic did the rest, the second after great work from Yasin Chikhaoui – his first goals in six weeks. "Today is a wonderful day," said the match-winner. "First and foremost, I'm delighted with the cup win but also, of course, that I scored both goals."