Carlitos' way helps Basel to victory

An early strike from Carlitos and a late breakaway by substitute Federico Almerares earned FC Basel 1893 an impressive victory against AS Roma in UEFA Europa League Group E.

Immediate impact
Carlitos fired the Swiss outfit ahead with a low drive after eleven minutes and, having survived a scare when Francesco Totti hit the crossbar for the Giallorossi, Basel settled matters late on when Almerares rounded Júlio Sérgio just two minutes after replacing Marco Streller. Victory enables Basel assume the early leadership of the section following a 1-1 draw between PFC CSKA Sofia and Fulham FC in the other Group E match.

Long-range strike
Basel surprisingly went ahead when the loose ball fell at the feet of Cabral and he immediately laid it off for Carlitos, who found the bottom corner with a first-time drive from 30 metres. An intense period of Roma pressure followed thereafter with Franco Costanzo parrying a Rodrigo Taddei shot, Totti sending a dipping free-kick on to the top of the crossbar and John Arne Riise having a long-range drive deflected wide.

Mexès tackle
Having survived the visitors' onslaught, only a last-ditch challenge from Philippe Mexès prevented Alexander Frei from doubling the hosts' lead before Marco Streller had a powerful header tipped over following a flowing move down the right. Claudio Ranieri's Roma continued to enjoy plenty of possession after half-time and Totti was foiled again in the 57th minute when his low drive was turned away by Costanzo following another free-kick.

Woodwork struck
Shortly afterwards, Daniele De Rossi had a shot blocked by the defensive wall while at the other end Streller hit the crossbar with an acrobatic volley. Basel made sure of all three points three minutes from time when Almerares was sent clear by Frei and calmly rounded Júlio Sérgio.