Crusaders 1 Basel 1 (1-3 on agg): Northern Irish side bow out of Europe after Basel draw
- Published
Liam Millar celebrates scoring the opener for Basel in north Belfast
Crusaders impressed in a 1-1 home draw with Basel but the Irish League side were beaten 3-1 on aggregate in the Europa Conference League qualifier.
The Seaview team had it all to do after a 2-0 first-leg loss in Switzerland and fell further behind when Liam Millar curled into the top corner.
Crues captain Billy Joe Burns diverted Jarlath O'Rourke's shot into the net to level early in the second half.
Jonathan McMurray went close for the hosts as Basel held on to progress.
A big crowd turned out in north Belfast as Crusaders sought to produce a massive upset against a team with a rich European pedigree.
The hosts were first to threaten with a Ben Kennedy effort, before keeping Basel at bay thanks to a well organised and disciplined rearguard.
BJ Burns steers the ball past Basel keeper Marwin Hitz for the second-half equaliser
Basel finally worked an opening when Fabian Frei's side-footed shot crashed against the bar, before Andy Diouf saw his strike deflected just wide.
Millar made the breakthrough on 36 minutes as the Canadian cut inside on the left before sending the ball beyond an outstretched Jonathan Tuffey.
Crusaders carried a threat on the break with Paul Heatley dangerous on the left, while Jordan Forsythe rifled over from long range.
Stephen Baxter's team levelled in the 53rd minute as an alert Burns stepped into space to redirect O'Rourke's shot past Marwin Hitz.
Basel responded by pressing for a second goal and Darian Males whistled over before his powerful shot was deflected off-target.
Crusaders almost capitalised on a mistake by the visitors after 63 minutes as McMurray intercepted a weak back-header, but Hitz raced out to make the block.
It was a golden opportunity and the last one of the game as Basel controlled the final stages to reach the third qualifying round.