Basel 2-2 Fiorentina: Hosts secure top spot in Group I

The Swiss side came from two goals behind against 10 men to stay three points clear at the summit of Group I, with Federico Bernardeschi putting the Italians into a two-goal lead

A late Mohamed El-Nenny strike helped Basel come from two down to draw 2-2 at home toFiorentina on Thursday, securing their passage to the next round of the Europa League as Group I winners.

A couple of composed Federico Bernardeschi finishes either side of a red card for Facundo Roncaglia put the Serie A side in control, but the hosts ultimately made their numerical advantage tell.

Marek Suchy and then El-Nenny in the 74th minute did the damage, pulling things back to prevent Paulo Sousa winning on his return to Basel and thus making sure of a spot in the knockout phase.

Fiorentina were unlucky not to be given a penalty just three minutes in when Behrang Safari used his hand to tackle Josip Ilicic, but they eventually took a deserved lead minutes later 20 minutes later – Bernardeschi finishing coolly from Borja Valero's pass.

Roncaglia's decision to swing an elbow in Breel Embolo's direction a few moments later put their position in jeopardy as a red card was brandished, but Fiorentina swiftly extended their lead through Bernardeschi, who finished well again from Nikola Kalinic's lay-off.

Basel did pull one back before the break, however, as captain Suchy stabbed home from close range with nine minutes to go.

The hosts continued to press with increased urgency early on in the second half, but the stop-start tempo and continuous niggling fouls made finding rhythm almost impossible.

Nevertheless, Basel's persistence paid off and El-Nenny produced a lovely finish from the edge of the area 16 minutes from time, clinching a vital point for the Swiss champions.