Olić helps Hamburg hold on to top spot

Hamburger SV claimed first place in UEFA Cup Group D as Ivica Olić's late goal earned a 1-1 draw against ten-man FC Basel 1893.

Second-half action
The Swiss side kicked off two points behind Hamburg and knew that victory would win the section and secure a tie against a third-placed team from one of the seven other sections in Friday's Round of 32 draw, but their hopes of overhauling Hamburg suffered a setback five minutes into the second half as Reto Zanni was dismissed for a second bookable offence. Basel did take the lead through Ivan Ergić eight minutes later, but were unable to hang on as Olić replied with 17 minutes remaining to give Hamburg the point they needed.

Costanzo heroics
Both clubs had already qualified and it was the home side who began brighter, Nigel de Jong meeting Rafael van der Vaart's free-kick with his head and forcing Franco Costanzo to save with his right foot before reacting smartly to keep out Bastian Reinhardt's follow-up effort. The Basel goalkeeper held Hamburg at bay throughout the first half although Olić and Var der Vaart failed to take three presentable chances in quick succession on the half-hour.

Ten men denied
With playmaker Carlitos shackled by the home defence, Basel struggled to create much in attack and their prospects looked bleak when Zanni brought down Vincent Kompany to collect a second yellow card in the 50th minute. Eight minutes later, however, Ergić reacted fastest to turn in Benjamin Huggel's mis-hit shot from a Michel Morganella cross. Just as Basel might have been dreaming about holding on for a heroic three points, Romeo Castelen raced down the right wing and crossed for the waiting Olić to thump in the equaliser and ensure his side would finish a place higher than their opponents.