Amazing fight secures 0-0 draw at Atalanta

FC Copenhagen secured a 0-0 draw at Atalanta in the first leg of their Europa League playoff.

The Lions sustained heavy pressure to keep a clean sheet in Italy and keep the tie alive ahead of the second leg in Copenhagen next Thursday.

Speaking after the game, manager Ståle Solbakken said: "First and foremost, we met a very good team.

"They had a little more of the game than us, but we had good control over the match. But after the break, we started getting tired and they put pressure on us, especially for the last 20 minutes.

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"But we defend well, Peter Ankersen and Nicolai Boilesen were absolutely amazing, the centre-backs were also strong in the box, and Jesse Joronen also produced some important saves.

"One should also remember, that Carlos Zeca got a good first half of action, and Pieros Sotiriou started for the first time.

"We knew that they would bring a lot of physicality to the game, so that Pieros and Dame N'Doye would have to compete for long balls. N'Doye also filed back in the last 15-20 minutes and helped to keep the score level.

"So even though we did not create a single chance, this is a great result. But we still have a mountain to climb in Copenhagen, but for now the tie is alright!"