Basel Faulty

Having conceded five goals on their own patch less than two weeks ago, FC Basel managed to hold Barcelona to a 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou this time round. The result gives the Swiss minnows their first point of the competition, and represents the first points dropped by Barcelona.

The scourge of many an accumulator, Barcelona dominated possession, with nearly 70%, and reigned down 22 shots on goal, but to no avail.

Nonetheless, the draw is a magnificent achievement for FC Basel. After Harry Redknapp’s acrimonious departure this time next year, Daniel Levy could well look to Basel’s manager, Spurs old-boy Christian Gross, as the man to realise Tottenham’s European ambitions.

In spite of the draw, Barcelona have now qualified from group C. And those looking to make their money back could do worse than back them – third favourites behind Chelsea and Manchester United at 6/1 – to win the competition.

The Catalans have the backbone of Spain’s Euro 2008 success - Carlos Puyol, Xavi and Andres Iniesta – and the indomitable Lionel Messi; coupled with summer acquisition, Daniel Alves, and the resurgent form of both Samuel E’to and Thierry Henry. It would not take too much of a stretch of the imagination to see them repeating their triumph of 2006.