Manchester United Vs. FC Basel, 2011 UEFA Champions League: Swiss Champions Draw Red Devils 3-3 In Thriller

After throwing away a 2-0 halftime lead and somehow going down 3-2 in a matter of 20 minutes, Manchester United were eventually able to recover and nick a point, drawing 3-3 with an excellent FC Basel side. The result for United could have been much worse had Basel actually finished any of the great chances that they were gifted in the first half, but the Swiss champions can hardly complain about grabbing a point at Old Trafford.

Danny Welbeck scored both of the first half goals, assisted on both by Ryan Giggs, who had an excellent first 60 minutes of the match before he was substituted out for Park Ji-Sung. That substitution came right after Basel's first two goals, when the score was tied at 2-2.

Basel's opener came on the 58th minute through a half-volley by Fabian Frei following a corner kick. They found an equalizer just two minutes later, and it was an absolutely brilliant one. Granit Xhaka set up the move by playing a nice ball down the right wing for Fabian Frei to run onto, but he was the real architect of the goal, laying a pinpoint cross onto the head of Alexander Frei. With Rio Ferdinand caught out of position, Frei was uncontested and headed the ball into the net easily.

Alexander Frei would give his team the lead and double his scoring tally in the 76th minute with a penalty kick. Antonio Valencia was the man who gave it away, clearly hauling down Marco Streller in the penalty area.

Basel couldn't hold onto their lead, though, and United snagged a point in the 90th minute. On a fantastic cross by Nani, Ashley Young - who completely lost his marker - nodded an easy header into the back of the net, splitting the points.

For more on the Red Devils, check out SB Nation's Manchester United blog The Busby Babe. For more on the other Champions League fixtures and the entire world of football, head on over to SB Nation Soccer.

FC Basel have had plenty of chances while Manchester United's defense hasn't looked fantastic, but the difference between the two teams has been finishing thus far. Alexander Frei and Marco Streller, two players with a wealth of experience in international and major European football, have made bad decisions or scuffed their shots when they've gotten into dangerous positions. Meanwhile, young Danny Welbeck has finished off a couple of chances, putting the Red Devils up 2-0 with his two goals.

Both were assisted by Ryan Giggs, who has been the best player on the pitch so far. The Welshman must be on some kind of dietary supplement that has not yet been discovered by the vast majority of humans, as he looks half his age. The goals came back to back in just three minutes, with the first coming on an average, but luckily placed shot by Welbeck and the second coming on a fierce strike. 

Basel created enough chances early that this isn't necessarily over, but their finishing and decision making around the box has been woeful. It would be surprising if they found a way back into the match.

For more on the Red Devils, check out SB Nation's Manchester United blog The Busby Babe. For more on the other Champions League fixtures and the entire world of football, head on over to SB Nation Soccer.