FC Basel took on Inter Milan in the Champions League third qualifying round first leg encounter on Wednesday in Switzerland.This match was one of the most anticipated matches of the third qualifying round matches. Inter, two-time winners in the 1960s, were keen to impress following a disappointing end to their domestic season. While Swiss champions FC Basel were out to show they are major contenders in Europe. Inter were however without top striker Christian Vieri and key defender Fabio Cannavaro due to injury. And the latter's absence showed in the opening minutes with the home side having the best of the early chances. Julio Hernan Rossi could have given the hosts the lead after 12 minutes. He broke through the Inter defence though his shot was easily saved by Inter goalkeeper FrancescoToldo. Then against the run of play, it was Inter who were first on the score-board, Leite Adriano in the 19th minute to the dismay of the home fans. Evenly matchedHowever the visitors didn't hold on to their lead for long - Basel equalising six minutes later courtesy of a perfectly executed header from Benjamin Huggel. The two sides were evenly matched, both having chances to score. However the finishing touch was not quite there, Huggel just failing to get his second of the night at the half-hour mark. Six minutes later Ze Maria was guilty of a glaring miss for Inter, hitting the crossbar when he should have found the back of the net. In the second half the Basel fans were inspired - and their support seemed to help. The home side had several good chances, Mattias Delgado denied here by some excellent goalkeeping from Toldo. Both sides seemed to tire over the final half hour, though with just over ten minutes remaining Basel could have taken the lead, a great chance from Huggel just hitting the post. While two minutes later a free-kick from Ze Maria was brilliantly cleared from the line by Basel defender Murat Yakin. Final whistle, one-all. Inter take an important away goal to the second leg in Milan, Italy in two weeks time.(AP)
Basel, Inter Milan draw 1-1
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