Elfsborg-FCK 1-2 (0-1)

F.C. Copenhagen are through to the semifinals in Royal League after a 2-1-win in Borås against the Swedish Champions from Elfsborg IF.

Ailton Almeida could have given FCK a dream-start in the second minute, but hit the post. Instead Elfsborg dominated the play, and the guests seemed to have difficulties adapting to the synthetic grass on Borås Arena. Nevertheless, Hjalte Nørregaard gave Copenhagen the lead after 21 minutes following a fine counter-attack, initiated by himself when he stole the ball at the middle of the field.

Hjalte Nørregaard in a less flattering action...

Shortly after the break Michael Silberbauer added a second from close range, but just as it seemed to be a quiet day at the office, Brede Hangeland mistimed a clearance and hit Anders Svensson instead of the ball. Correctly given penalty, and Samuel Holmén made no mistake from the spot.

Elfsborg were on the ball for most of the second half, but their few really big chances was superbly handled by Jesper Christiansen. Jesper Grønkjær was sent off with five minutes to go following his second yellow card, but the 10 Copenhagen-players managed to keep the Suedes from the vital equalizer, they desperately seeked.

Jesper Christiansen with yet another fine save 

All photos ©Royal League

Matchfacts:
ELFSBORG IF-F.C. COPENHAGEN 1-2 (0-1)
21.: 0-1 Hjalte Nørregaard
47.: 0-2 Michael Silberbauer
51.: 1-2 Samuel Holmén (pen.)
Attendance: 6.703

F.C. Copenhagen: 1 Jesper Christiansen – 17 Oscar Wendt, 14 Michael Gravgaard, 5 Brede Hangeland, 3 Niclas Jensen – 8 Michael Silberbauer (66.: 23 William Kvist), 6 Tobias Linderoth, 4 Hjalte Nørregaard, 10 Jesper Grønkjær – 7 Ailton Almeida (66.: 9 Fredrik Berglund), 13 Atiba Hutchinson. (Un-used substitutes: 16 Dan Thomassen, 20 Razak Pimpong, 21 Thomas Villadsen, 22 Morten Bertolt, 24 Jeppe Brandrup)

Bookings: Michael Silberbauer, Jesper Grønkjær, Hjalte Nørregaaard
Sent-off: Jesper Grønkjær (88.)