Coach Sousa hails group runners-up Basel

Basel joined Group B winners Real Madrid in the knockout phase ahead of 10-man Liverpool with a 1-1 draw at Anfield.

The Swiss giants dominated the first half and were rewarded in the 25th minute as Fabian Frei lashed a powerful left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard equalised via an 81st-minute free-kick but it was not enough as Basel clinched second spot, two points clear of the Premier League side.

Sousa was understandably pleased with his side, who advanced to the round of 16 for the first time since 2011-12.

"Going through means me, the boys and my staff will write another fantastic page in the story of Basel. That is the dream," Sousa told reporters post-game.

"Such services give us a lot of confidence for us going forward. It was not easy, Liverpool has a great team.

"I do not think Liverpool played badly. I prefer to look at us and think that we have done many things right."

Despite being reduced to 10 men on the hour-mark following a contentious red card, Liverpool finished strongly.

After substitute Lazar Markovic saw red for thrusting a hand in Behrang Safari's direction, Gerrard almost made the seemingly impossible possible with a tremendous free-kick nine minutes from time.

Basel, though, managed to cling on for a memorable point away from home.

"It was a very intense game and we had wonderful combinations," Sousa added. "The last few minutes were hard to endure.

"Until the final phase, we were the better team on the court. After that it was difficult to control the game as before.

"But hey, that's Anfield. We played against Liverpool, of course, gave us this great team at the end of a few difficulties.

"Next, we want to rest now, we all deserve. The players celebrate this victory, and that they should."