Debuting Vingaard secures first-leg draw against Man City

Qualification for the UEFA CUP Round of 32 cut the winter break short for the Copenhagen squad that at times did not seem quite up to speed against a Manchester City side in mid-season. Conceding two easy goals, the Lions nevertheless managed a draw as the new signing, Martin Vingaard, kept F.C. Copenhagen’s European hopes alive with a stoppage time equalizer. 

By Lars Kristensen

In any case, with a 2-2 draw at home, the F.C. Copenhagen players now have their work cut out for them before the return leg in Manchester. The unlikely 3-3 draw aside, Solbakken’s men need to win in order to stay in the competition.

William Kvist:

- That they got two such easy goals is very disappointing; but in fact, we had many more opportunities ourselves. In the end, however, we just could not pull through today – or perhaps we just did not have the luck to do so. We now face a very difficult away game indeed, but, with 2-2, at least the chance is still there for us. In spite of everything, we just need to win by a single goal.

Ailton Almeida:

- We met a solid Premiership side, but we are a rather good side too - and I think that all in all we performed okay today. Even though the return leg looks difficult, we all believe that it is still possible to qualify for the next round.

Martin Vingaard on his debut for F.C. Copenhagen:

- Considering that we are behind on two occasions, a draw does seem satisfactory on our part and, personally, I am of course delighted with my all-important goal. Also, to play in front of such a great crowd was really a dream come true for me, and as such, my debut for the Lions was a great experience overall.

For Danish International, Jesper Grønkjær personally, the game marked the return from a long period of injury that began last May:

- It was great to be back and my twenty minutes on the field was certainly a step in the right direction. For me, personally, it was important to show Coach Ståle Solbakken that I am once again ready to contribute.

The deciding second leg will be played on Thursday 26 Feb at 20.45 (CET) at the City of Manchester Stadium in Manchester. Furthermore, games come thick and fast from then on and, as it happens, F.C. Copenhagen reopen their the domestic SAS Liga title challenge the following Monday with yet another huge away game – this time it is the traditional derby against the current league leaders of Brøndby.

Game stats:

F.C. Copenhagen – Manchester City FC 2-2 (0-1)

0-1 Nedum Onouha (29)

1-1 Ailton Almeida (56)

1-2 Stephen Ireland (61)

2-2 Martin Vingaard (90)

Spectators: 30.159