FC Copenhagen vs Basel Prediction, Preview, Odds: 27/8/2025

FC Copenhagen are once again within touching distance of the Champions League group stage, a competition where they have fond recent memories. Just two years ago, the Danes reached the round of 16 before being knocked out by eventual winners Manchester City. Last season, their European adventure came in the Conference League, ending in the last 16 after drawing Chelsea, another future champion. Now, Jacob Neestrup’s men are one win away from returning to Europe’s top table.

Copenhagen’s Steady Rise

The Danish champions began their qualification journey in the second round, confidently dispatching Drita of Kosovo with 2–0 and 1–0 victories. In the third round, they drew 0–0 away to Malmö before exploding at home with a stunning 5–0 win. That emphatic result underlined Copenhagen’s growing stature in continental competition.

In last week’s first leg against Basel, Copenhagen played much of the closing stages with a man advantage but failed to capitalize, settling for a 1–1 draw. That result keeps the tie delicately balanced ahead of the return leg in Denmark. Domestically, Copenhagen have already opened their league campaign, most recently facing Odense at home.

Squad depth remains a strength, with new signings Youssoufa Moukoko (on loan from Dortmund), Yoram Zague (PSG), Marcos López (Feyenoord), and Pantelis Hatzidiakos (Cagliari) all integrated. However, they must cope without injured regulars such as Jonathan Moalem, Oliver Højer, Achouri, and experienced midfielder Thomas Delaney. Defender Adjetey will also sit out following his red card in the first leg.

Basel’s Chance for Redemption

For Basel, this playoff is an opportunity to re-establish themselves in the Champions League after years of inconsistency. The Swiss giants came through the first leg with credit, holding Copenhagen to a 1–1 draw despite playing the final minutes with ten men. A result in Denmark could secure their first group-stage appearance in years.

Basel’s domestic form, however, has been mixed. After four league fixtures, they’ve collected two home wins—against Grasshoppers (2–1) and Young Boys (4–1)—but lost both of their away matches to St. Gallen and Lugano. Their lack of consistency away from home will be a concern ahead of a tough night in Copenhagen.

The Swiss side will be without Van Breemen, Benie Traoré, and Ruegg through injury. They have also lost key players during the transfer window, including forward Kevin (12 league goals last season, now at Nice) and Georgian international Sigua, who joined Lausanne. Yet Basel reinforced with Leon Avdullahu (Hoffenheim), Moritz Broschinski (Bochum), and Japanese defender Keigo Tsunemoto (Servette). Winger Philip Otele, who scored nine goals and registered four assists last season, will be a key attacking outlet.

Prediction

Copenhagen have been formidable at home in Europe, winning five of their last seven Champions League games at Parken Stadium and losing just once in their previous ten. Basel’s away record is far less encouraging, with four defeats in their last six domestic trips.

Given their depth, form, and home advantage, Copenhagen are strong favorites to advance.

Prediction: FC Copenhagen 3:0 Basel