FC Basel seized control of Group B with a commanding 2-0 victory over VfB Stuttgart at St. Jakob-Park, riding early brilliance from Albian Ajeti and a late clincher from Moritz Broschinski to secure all three points on a rollicking European night.

Basel wasted no time asserting themselves, striking inside the opening minutes. Albian Ajeti, a constant thorn in Stuttgart’s back line, put the hosts ahead in the 3rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to slot home Basel’s first shot on target. The early goal set the tone for a fiercely contested encounter against a Stuttgart side that dominated possession (63%) but struggled to penetrate Basel’s disciplined defense.

Despite Stuttgart amassing 28 shots—nearly three times Basel’s total—the German side found clear-cut chances hard to come by, thanks in large part to an inspired performance from goalkeeper Marwin Hitz and a resolute back four marshaled by Dominik Schmid. Hitz’s key interventions frustrated Stuttgart’s leading scorer Ermedin Demirovic, who cut a frustrated figure as the visitors’ attack repeatedly fizzled in the final third.

Basel, by contrast, remained dangerous on the counter throughout. Xherdan Shaqiri pulled the strings in midfield, orchestrating swift transitions that kept Stuttgart’s midfield honest. After a series of substitutions injected fresh legs on both sides, Basel’s commitment to attack paid off again in the final minutes. Moritz Broschinski, having come on for Ajeti in the 71st, broke free in the 84th minute to finish a slick move and double the hosts’ advantage—sending the home supporters into raptures and effectively dashing any hopes of a Stuttgart comeback.

The match statistics underscored Stuttgart’s inefficiency: 28 shots, just 7 on target, and an xG of 2.37—while Basel made more of their limited openings, converting 2 of just 10 shots with clinical precision. The Swiss side showed steel and tactical discipline, stifling a talented Bundesliga squad and moving atop their group after two matchdays.

For Basel, Thursday’s display highlighted both grit and star quality—a statement of intent as the group stage unfolds. Stuttgart, meanwhile, will rue their profligacy and look for answers ahead of the next round.

Youtube Recap Videos Used for Key Moments: - -

(For full highlights, see the official UEFA and Flashscore recap videos covering the early Ajeti opener, Hitz’s saves, and Broschinski’s late clincher.)