CSKA Sofia lose third match in Europa League

FC Basel comfortably beat CSKA Sofia 3-1 and maintained their position at the top of Uefa Europa League group E with nine points, though the Swiss side are yet to secure a place in the knockout stages of the tournament.

Alexander Frei scored a brace against the Bulgarian side, as he had done in the first match between both teams in Sofia two weeks earlier. With this latest victory, FC Basel are two points ahead of second placed AS Roma and four from third placed Fulham. CSKA are bottom of the group with one point.

The Bulgarian side showed a spirited display and scored a stunning goal through Todor Yanchev, but it was not enough to spark a revival. At the bottom of the group with only one point from four outings, CSKA’s hopes or further contention in the tournament have all but dissipated.

The Bulgarian league leaders are now facing an equally arduous task as they will have to travel to London and face Fulham at Craven Cottage. Meanwhile, group leaders FC Basel will travel to the Eternal City and take on Roma. Both matches are on December 3 2009.