Basel vs FC Copenhagen Prediction, Preview, News, Odds: 20/8/2025

FC Basel will welcome FC Copenhagen to St. Jakob-Park for the decisive second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff, with the Swiss side determined to overturn a narrow 1-0 defeat from the opening match. The tie remains finely balanced, and with a place in the group stage at stake, both teams enter the clash under immense pressure.

Basel Banking on Home Strength and New Additions

Basel’s season has been a rollercoaster of inconsistency, but the arrival of German striker Moritz Broschinski from VfL Bochum has injected fresh hope into their attack. Manager Fabio Celestini will be counting on Broschinski’s physical presence and aerial ability to complement the creativity of Xherdan Shaqiri, who continues to be the heartbeat of the side with 18 goals already this campaign. Supporting options Bénie Traoré and Kevin Carlos, with 13 goals apiece, have also proven capable of stepping up in key moments.

The Swiss giants have long relied on their fortress-like home record, and their fans at St. Jakob-Park will expect nothing less than an all-out attacking performance. With set-piece quality, Shaqiri’s precision delivery, and a hungry front line, Basel will look to seize momentum early and unsettle their Danish visitors.

Copenhagen Confident Despite First-Leg Advantage

On the other side, Jacob Neestrup’s Copenhagen arrive in Switzerland brimming with confidence despite their recent 3-2 defeat to AGF Aarhus, which ended an unbeaten run in the Danish Superliga. They remain league leaders and have shown an ability to raise their game on the European stage.

Midfielder Rodrigo Huescas has been a standout performer, dictating tempo and linking defense with attack. Meanwhile, Magnus Mattsson, with three goals in Champions League qualifying so far, has been pivotal in breaking down defenses. The attacking duo of Mohamed Elyounoussi and Andreas Cornelius provide experience and flair, offering Neestrup multiple options to unsettle Basel’s backline.

Copenhagen’s European pedigree has also been reinforced by strong away performances, including their emphatic 5-0 dismantling of Malmö earlier in qualifying. Their structured pressing game and ability to hit on the counter could prove decisive against a Basel side forced to push forward.

Tactical Battle and Expected Outcome

The midfield battle will likely dictate the pace of the game. Basel will try to dominate possession and create chances through Shaqiri’s vision and Broschinski’s physicality in the box. Copenhagen, however, will focus on compact defending and rapid counterattacks, seeking to exploit any gaps left by Basel’s aggressive approach.

Defensive lapses have occasionally crept into Copenhagen’s game this season, and Basel will look to capitalize on those weaknesses. With the home crowd behind them and renewed firepower in attack, Basel appear well placed to force the tie back onto level terms.

A 2-1 win for Basel feels like the most probable outcome, which would even the aggregate score and potentially send the playoff into extra time. Narrow margins will decide this contest, but Basel’s urgency and tactical adjustments could give them the edge on the night.

Prediction

Recent history favors Basel at home, with eight victories in their last nine matches at this level in front of their supporters. In contrast, Copenhagen’s away record in comparable fixtures has been less convincing, suggesting this could be a long night for the Danish champions.

Final Prediction: Basel 2:0 FC Copenhagen