Copenhagen progress in DBU Cup

Roland Nilsson made nine changes to his starting line up for FC Copenhagen’s trip to FC Vestjælland in the third round of the DBU Cup. The only two who survived the weekend game against AaB were Ragnar Sigurdsson and Morten Nordstrand. However, experienced players were to be found throughout the XI, with César Santin and Thomas Kristensen forming the spine of the team.

by Joe Short

It took a while for a changed set up to gel, and during the opening stages it was Vestjælland who looked on top. The home side retained possession well, but were unable to force through a meaningful chance against the Danish champions. A handful of corners and some long throw ins was all that could be mustered in a stuttering quarter of an hour

Copenhagen created their first scare when Martin Bergvold played Nordstrand through with a quick free kick, but was adjudged offside. Johan Absalonsen then sent in a dangerous cross from the wing, but defender Sladan Peric cleared ahead of Santin.

Santin scores quick brace

FCK didn’t have to wait much longer for the breakthrough however. On 33 minutes Santin moved wide and received a delicate cross-field pass from Bryan Oviedo. The Brazilian took the ball down and cut inside before striking home off the inside post.

Following the goal came a dip in Vestjælland’s play, with FCK taking command. Indeed, seven minutes after his first, Santin struck for his second. While Absalonsen was down injured in FCV’s half, Nordstrand reached the byline right of goal, and found Santin’s perfectly timed run; the striker tapping in for 2-0.

FCK force further chances

After the break, one might have expected Copenhagen to sit back and relax, but for the first quarter of an hour the away side were engaged in a real battle on the field. Three or four good chances were created before the hour mark, but Santin shot wide, Nordstrand shot over, Santin was scuppered by a last-ditch tackle, and Oviedo hesitated a second too long in the box. Peter Larsson came closest with a good header from a Youssef Toutouh corner, but goalkeeper Thomas Mikkelsen pulled off a sharp save under his own crossbar.

As the clocked ticked down, the game slowed. With half an hour remaining, Nilsson brought on Pape Pate Diouf and Thomas Delaney to try and inspire a spark in the side. Indeed, Diouf came close a few minutes later when he received a neat ball from Absalonsen, but the Senegalese’s shot dribbled narrowly past the post.

Kenneth Zohore also entered the field to liven up the game up front, but he and Diouf failed to generate anything meaningful in a clash that lost it’s spark 60 minutes in.

A comfortable 2-0 win for FCK therefore sees the Lions progress to the next round of the DBU Cup. The draw for the fourth round will be made on Friday 12 October. Before then, Copenhagen have the New Firm derby to play, as the Danish champions travel to the Brøndby Stadium on Saturday for their Superliga clash.

FC Vestjælland: 0 FC Copenhagen: 2

FC Copenhagen: Christensen, Thomsen, Larsson, Sigurdsson, Oviedo, Toutouh, Kristensen, Bergvold, Absalonsen, Santin, Nordstrand.

Goals: Santin (33'), Santin (40').