Steaua Bucharest vs Basle preview - Yakin sets first target

Posted Monday, October 21, 2013 by PA

Basle coach Murat Yakin is unwilling to look beyond finishing in third place in Champions League Group E ahead of Tuesday's clash with Steaua Bucharest.

Basle flew to Romania on Monday still well in contention in the pool following their shock 2-1 win at Chelsea first time out and an unlucky 1-0 loss at home to Schalke.

But Yakin believes the English and German teams are in pole position take the top two spots.

"We can take a step towards third place with a win," he said prior to his side's departure.

"With a bit of luck we can aim for second, but unfortunately, after the setback against Schalke, we need to aim to win so that we can look for third place."

Basle should have plenty of confidence, though, having confidently beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and pushed Schalke all the way.

"If you look at recent results then of course we are favourites," said Yakin, who is nevertheless wary of Basle's recent struggles against Romanian clubs.

Cluj denied Basle a place in the group stage a year ago with a 3-1 aggregate victory in the play-offs, while the Swiss side have only won once in Romania, against Otelul Galati on their way to qualification two seasons ago.

They have, however, won their last five away games and are unbeaten on their travels this season, spanning 11 games in all competitions.

"Basle are favourites to win this game because we've conceded seven and not scored while they beat Chelsea in London," said Steaua coach Laurentiu Reghecampf.

"We've conceded too many goals in our first two games and we want to pay our fans back."

For Steaua, a third straight group defeat would effectively end their hopes of qualifying, leaving them with a battle on their hands to take a place in the Europa League.

"It's a very important match for us," said Reghecampf. "It's probably our last chance. We've got to win to stay in the race for second or third."