The European adventure for Aston Villa supporters took a joyous turn this week as Unai Emery’s side secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over FC Basel in the UEFA Europa League, guaranteeing their progression in the competition. But for the travelling Villans, the success on the pitch was perfectly complemented by the enchanting beauty and festive atmosphere of their host city.
Tielemans Seals a Gritty Win ⚽️
St. Jakob-Park saw a tight, often scrappy, affair, but the visitors ultimately prevailed. #avfc took an early lead through Evann Guessand, who scrambled a finish into the net after a chaotic corner kick. Basel, however, refused to lie down & Flavius Daniliuc netted a well-taken equaliser, leaving the match poised at 1-1 at the interval.
The game-changer arrived just eight minutes into the second half. Half-time substitute & 🇧🇪 maestro Youri Tielemans restored the lead with a moment of pure class, curling a beautiful, low finish from the edge of the box into the bottom corner. The goal proved to be the winner, securing a vital 3 points & extending Villa’s impressive winning run to 8 consecutive matches in all competitions. It was not always fluent, as Emery himself admitted, but the resilience shown in seeing out the win was a testament to the team’s burgeoning European mettle.
Away from the main event, Basel itself stole the show, proving to be one of the most charming European destinations on the current football circuit. The city’s historic Old Town, situated where the Rhine flows out of Switzerland, was an absolute picture, with its medieval architecture and vibrant colours making for a stunning backdrop.
Christmas Market Magic:
December in Basel means one thing: the Christmas Markets. Spanning 2 main squares—Barfüsserplatz & Münsterplatz—the markets were a magical wonderland. Hundreds of Christmas lights adorned the quaint wooden chalets, which offered everything from artisanal crafts & ornaments to the unique Swiss culinary delight, the Chäsbängel (a fondue-filled baguette). The air was thick with the scent of cinnamon and Glühwein (mulled wine), providing a perfect, warm respite from the crisp winter air. Basel’s festive markets felt intimate and authentic, a world away from the commercial crush of larger European counterparts.
Weather Woes and Wows:
The weather was typically 🇨🇭 winter—crisp, cold, & predominantly dry. Supporters had to wrap up warm, but match-day offered a fantastic view of the city’s festive lights reflecting off the Rhine, proving that a little bit of cold only adds to the Christmassy atmosphere.
The Swiss Franc Shock: A Costly Affair:
While the atmosphere was pure gold, the cost of the trip, in true Swiss fashion, proved to be the one notable sting in the tail for many travelling fans. Switzerland remains one of Europe’s most expensive destinations, and the cost of living was immediately noticeable.
• Accommodation: Hotels, while excellently located and serviced, demanded a significant premium, especially on a match night during the peak Christmas market season.
• Food and Drink: A pint of local beer could easily set a fan back CHF 7-10 & even simple market snacks felt pricier than those in neighbouring 🇩🇪 or 🇫🇷
• Travel Win: The one major budget-saver was the BaselCard, which many hotels provide, offering free and unlimited use of the city’s excellent public transport (🚃 & 🚌), making travel to the stadium & between the markets simple and free once checked in.
Final Verdict: Despite the high price tag, the trip to Basel was a resounding success both for the team and the supporters. The victory was an ideal capstone to a genuinely beautiful city break that truly captures the magic of a European Christmas. Basel is a hidden gem well worth the financial sacrifice, especially when combined with a crucial three points for the Mighty Villa
UP THE VILLA!
Dan Lambert