Julien Dienda Duranville marked his first appearance for FC Basel in dramatic fashion, delivering a decisive assist deep into stoppage time to seal a 4-3 away victory over FC Zurich in the Swiss Super League.
The 21st-round fixture produced a pulsating contest, with Basel eventually emerging victorious thanks to a late surge after the match had appeared destined to end in a draw.
Introduced in the 68th minute, Duranville wasted little time in announcing himself, setting up the winning goal in the fourth minute of added time as Basel completed a remarkable comeback.
The Congolese striker, who recently joined the club on loan from Borussia Dortmund, had seen limited action earlier in the season, featuring only twice before his move to Switzerland.
Despite that lack of match rhythm, his composure and awareness in a high-pressure moment underlined his potential value to Basel during the decisive phase of the campaign.
Basel had been locked at 3-3 late on, having responded repeatedly to FC Zurich’s attacking threat in an open and entertaining encounter.
The visitors’ persistence was finally rewarded when Duranville played a key role in the final move of the match, creating the opportunity that secured all three points.
The victory keeps FC Basel firmly in the race near the top of the table. With 36 points from 21 matches, the club now sits fourth in the standings, maintaining contact with the leading group as the season enters a crucial period.
Their next domestic challenge will come against Thun on matchday 22, a fixture that could further shape their title ambitions.
Before returning to league action, however, Basel face an equally significant test on the European stage.
The club is preparing for the eighth and final matchday of the Europa League group phase, where qualification for the play-offs remains within reach.
To keep that hope alive, Basel must secure a victory at home against Viktoria Plzen on Thursday, 29 January.
Duranville’s promising debut comes at an opportune moment for the Swiss side, who are balancing domestic consistency with continental aspirations.
His ability to make an immediate impact offers encouragement to the coaching staff as they look to manage a demanding schedule and maintain momentum across competitions.
While it was a single decisive contribution, the manner of Duranville’s introduction suggests he could play an increasingly influential role in the weeks ahead.
For Basel, the win in Zurich not only delivered vital points but also introduced a new attacking option whose first impression could prove significant in the club’s pursuit of success this season.
