Basel step into the Champions League qualifiers for the first time this season when they host FC Copenhagen at St Jakob-Park on Wednesday night, aiming to capitalise on home advantage in the first leg of their playoff tie.
The Bebbi earned direct entry at this stage by clinching last season’s Swiss Super League crown, while Byens Hold arrive having already navigated the earlier qualifying rounds.
Read our Basel vs Copenhagen predictions and preview below, and do not forget to check out our dedicated Champions League page for more coverage.
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Basel vs Copenhagen predictions: Both ends buzzing
Key stats:
- Basel have scored and conceded in all five games across all competitions this season.
- The visitors have found the net in four of their last five matches on the road across all competitions.
- Bebbi enter this encounter brimming with confidence after thrashing Biel in the Swiss Cup.
- Copenhagen have lost two of their last four away matches on the continental front.
Correct score prediction: Basel 2-1 Copenhagen
While this clash promises to be fiercely contested, Basel’s strong record at St Jakob-Park could tilt the scales in their favour. However, Copenhagen’s knack for grinding out results on their travels means they remain well equipped to hit back, making goals at both ends likely.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Numbers paint a close picture
- HOME: 13/10 (2.30) – 43.5%
- DRAW: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
- AWAY: 2/1 (3.00) – 33.3%
Basel, priced at 13/10 (2.30) with a win probability of 43.5%, head into the tie as slight favourites owing to their home advantage. However, bookmakers also back Copenhagen to pose a real challenge, reflected in their 30.3% chance of victory.
In the goals market, ‘both teams to score (Yes)’ is favoured at 54.6%, in line with Basel’s tendency to both concede and find the net.
Most recent head-to-head: First-ever competitive clash
Considering they operate in different leagues, it comes as no surprise that this is the first competitive meeting between Basel and Copenhagen.
Basel preview: Defensive duo sidelined
For Basel, this is familiar ground, having reached the group stage in four of their last five playoff attempts. Magnin’s men head into this tie fresh from a 6-1 demolition of Biel in the Swiss Cup, and that result should lift spirits after a slow domestic start.
However, the Swiss giants will be without defenders Finn van Breemen and Kevin Ruegg, but Magnin still has ample options at his disposal.
Predicted lineup: Hitz (GK), Schmid, Vujo, Adjetei, Tsunemoto, Leroy, Metinho, Otele, Shaqiri, Traore & Ajeti
Switzerland Super League 10/05/25
W
Lugano
2
Basel
5
Switzerland Super League 04/05/25
W
Servette
1
Basel
5
Switzerland Cup 27/04/25
W
Lausanne Sports
2
Basel
3
Switzerland Super League 21/04/25
W
Yverdon Sport FC
0
Basel
5
Switzerland Super League 12/04/25
W
FC Zurich
0
Basel
4
Copenhagen preview: Quartet of injury concerns
Copenhagen are the defending champions in Denmark and bring plenty of pedigree into Europe. Jacob Neestrup’s side have been ruthless in the preliminaries, yet to concede a goal, and they warmed up with a 3-1 victory away to Nordsjaelland in the Super Liga at the weekend.
Byens Hold travel without Elias Achour and Thomas Delaney, with both sidelined until next month, while doubts remain over youngsters Oliver Hojer and Jonathan Moalem. Nevertheless, Neestrup’s squad has shown remarkable discipline, especially at the back, conceding none in qualifying so far.
Predicted lineup: Kotarski (GK), Lopez, Hatzidiakos, Pereira, Uescas, Silva, Elyounoussi, Lerager, Mattsson, Larsson & Cornelius
Denmark Superligaen 11/05/25
D
Midtjylland
1
FC Copenhagen
1
Denmark Cup 08/05/25
W
Viborg
0
FC Copenhagen
1
Denmark Superligaen 04/05/25
W
Brondby
0
FC Copenhagen
3
Denmark Cup 01/05/25
W
Viborg
0
FC Copenhagen
1
Denmark Superligaen 27/04/25
W
AGF Aarhus
1
FC Copenhagen
3
Player to watch: Xherdan Shaqiri
Basel’s iconic winger has scored three goals and supplied two assists in just five matches. Fresh from a decisive display in the Swiss Cup, where he both scored and created, the “Alpine Messi” remains the heartbeat of Bebbi’s attack and will be central to unlocking Copenhagen’s stern defence.
