Basel up for Bayern Munich fight

7msports > Soccer Video > Basel up for Bayern Munich fight

Wednesday, February 22 2012 by SNTV

Intro:

Basel will once again take up the role of underdogs when they host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie on Wednesday.

Script:

Basel know they will be the underdogs when they host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Wednesday.

But the Swiss side are used to the tag.

Basel pulled off a shock 2-1 victory over Manchester United to knock the three time European champions out at the group stage.

Goalkeeper Yann Sommer knows Basel have the quality to beat any side in Europe.

SOUNDBITE: (German)

Yann Sommer, Basel goalkeeper:

"We must believe that we can play our game, like the way we have played in the past. We cannot hide ourselves, we must brave, and play bravely then that maybe the decisive point tomorrow. We will see. We must be focused."

The draw has thrown up an unusual side story.

Basel midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri has agreed a deal to join Bayern in the summer, but the 20-year-old claims his allegiances lie with his current employers.

SOUNDBITE: (German)

Xherdan Shaqiri, Basel winger:

"The Champions League is very important to me. I believe that everyone is happy to play this game, the whole region and the city. It will definitely be a great game for the city and I think we must enjoy this."

Basel will have to tighten up if they are to succeed.

Heiko Vogel's side conceded 10 goals in the group stages, more than any other club who progressed to the last 16.