Antonsson: - First goal crucial

Mikael Antonsson believes the first goal of FC Copenhagen’s Champions League second-leg playoff clash at Leverkusen tonight will be crucial as the Lions chase a 3-2 deficit from their home tie last week.

The Swedish defender spoke to FCK.dk to the eve of Copenhagen’s clash with Leverkusen, where he stressed how the squad’s pre-match preparation during the last week is the key to success in the BayArena.

- We have looked at many highlights from the first leg on Tuesday and analysed and evaluated our performance, Antonsson said.

- It is an important element in our preparation for the match. We should learn from our mistakes and shortcomings and work to improve on our tactics.

- We watched Leverkusen's match at the weekend against Dortmund. The sum of all this is that, first and foremost, they are a really good team and we're up against it. 

- But I think we have a chance. We know they are a very skilled team but we also know that if we can score the first goal down there, we have a chance. It will be difficult. But that’s how it should be. It should be hard to get into the Champions League. 

Kick off for tonight’s game is scheduled for 20:45 CET (19:45 BST).