Claudemir and Cornelius win it for Copenhagen

Second-half goals from Claudemir and Andreas Cornelius secured an spirited comeback for FC Copenhagen against Esbjerg on Sunday to leave Ståle Solbakken’s men on a high heading into the international break.

by Joe Short

Brazilian Claudemir cancelled out Martin Pusic’s opener with an instinctive flicked header from Thomas Delaney’s wayward effort, his first league goal since September 2013.

And Cornelius ensured three points for FCK with a predatory pull-back and finish from 10 yards to send Telia Parken into pandemonium.

The result lifts Copenhagen into fifth place in the Superliga, nine points behind leaders FC Midtjylland, with a home game against Randers up next after a week of international football.

Watch match highlights here, from FCKTV

After the game, FCK.dk caught up with goalscorers Cornelius and Claudemir, plus Danny Amankwaa, to get their view on the performance.

Andreas Cornelius 

- We were not good enough in the first half — neither tactically, technically, physically or mentally. But in the second half we delivered a fine comeback and showed good spirit.

Danny Amankwaa 

- It was a disappointing first half were we couldn't get into our rhythm or play right. But we played ourselves back into it in the second and got two great goals — two very important goals! We should again thank the fans for being the 12th man.

Claudemir 

- I am very happy to score and get the three points! The first 45 minutes were not so good, but the second half we kept together and got the win.

FC COPENHAGEN: 2 ESBJERG: 1

FC Copenhagen: Andersen, Høgli, Zanka, Amartey, Bengtsson, Amankwaa, Claudemir, Delaney, Kacaniklic, Jørgensen, Cornelius.

Esbjerg: Dubravka, Laursen, Stenderup, Jakobsen, Knudsen, Ankersen, Andreasen, Lekven, Andersen, Pusic, Söder.

Goals: Pusic, Esbjerg (22’), Claudemir (52’), Cornelius (57’).

Red card: Knudsen, Esbjerg (89’ two yellows).

Referee: Michael Johansen.