European campaign continues in the spring!

This time, having qualified for the group phase of a European competition for the third year in a row, F.C. Copenhagen really had its mind set on that progression that had eluded the squad  in the past two seasons. Even so, the obstacle ahead seemed quite a difficult one, as only a win away against long-time European regular Club Bruges would suffice. In the end however, a solid F.C Copenhagen dominated the experienced Belgian side completely and justified its thirst for a bigger challenge come spring.

By Lars Kristensen

With two huge chances F.C. Copenhagen could have set things straight early on, as both Santin and Nordstrand were only inches from slotting it into the net in the opening minutes of the game. Following, the Lions of Copenhagen kept a tight grip on Club Bruges and finally, in the 58th minute, F.C. Copenhagen got their reward when Santin netted a deflected Hutchinson shot. After that, Club Bruges made an increasingly desperate effort to try to level the score but in fact never really came close.

Jesper Christiansen:

- What a fabulous win! Towards the end, as they throw everything forward, we manage to remain calm. We all knew it was important not to fall too far back on goal and we never did. Physically, we came much better prepared for this year’s edition of the UEFA Cup. Tonight, everybody gave absolutely everything, and how sweet it is to wipe away last year’s disappointment against Aberdeen! This win was just SO important!

Ulrik Laursen:

- We played a great match and produced the bigger chances by far. All they got was a couple of shots from outside the box and it was never as if Jesper had to perform miracles in the goal. The win was well-deserved indeed.

Coach, Ståle Solbakken:

- We really deserved to win and it is wonderful to finish the autumn on a high in terms of both the quality of play and the results.

The match against Club Bruges also marked the final game of 2008 for F.C. Copenhagen as the winter break is now in effect in all three of the competitions this season. Besides qualifying for the last 32 of the UEFA Cup, the Lions have also reached the semi-finals of the domestic cup and, currently second in the Danish SAS Liga (two points behind Brøndby), the Lions are still very much in contention for the Danish league title.

However, when the season recommences in the spring the first games will in fact be the Round of 32 in the UEFA Cup. The draw on Friday will determine the opponent, but in any case, F.C. Copenhagen is certain to begin its spring campaign at home on 18/19 Feb, playing the return leg a week later.

Game stats:

Club Bruges - F.C. Copenhagen 0-1

0-1 Santin (58)