FCK-FC Nordsjælland 1-1 (1-0)

Copenhagen could - and should - have been at least 4-0 up before halftime, but had to settle with one. And in spite of more chances in the second half, FC Nordsjælland stole two points with a late equalizer...

It began perfectly for the home team, when Atiba Hutchinson took advantage of a precise cross from Jesper Grønkjær and put the champions ahead after only 8 minutes. After two games without scoring, it broke the deadlock – but it soon appeared that in spite of countless open chances, goals don’t come easy for Copenhagen these days…

Between the 16th and the 23rd minute the huge crowd counted at least 4 open goalchances, but a combination of brilliant goalkeeping, inaccuracy and pure unluck prevented Copenhagen from closing the game within the first half hour.

Michael Silberbauer - one of six Copenhagen A-internationals - in action

After the break the game continued in a purely one way direction, and Ailton and Silberbauer had more chances to put the game completely safe, but were denied by Kim Christensen in the FCN-goal – and when Ailton finally managed to get the ball past him, Heath Pearce blocked the shot on the very goalline…

Gradually, Copenhagen lost their tight grip of the game and allowed the guests to relive their dreams of a point. But still, the defence was consequent and well-organized and as the clock ticked towards the final ten minutes, FCN had never really threatened Jesper Christiansen. But then Copenhagen momentarily lost positions in central midfield and allowed Thomas Kristensen to try from the distance, and the ball went like a rocket into the corner of the goal without a chance for Christiansen!

1-1 was not a fair picture of the game, but after 0-0 in Esbjerg and 1-1 in PARKEN, there is still a 6 point-gap to the nearest rivals, FC Midtjylland, who also has drawn their first two games after the winter break.

Ailton Almeida - had one of his attempts cleared on the line

All photos by Carl Redhead 

Matchfacts:
F.C. COPENHAGEN-FC NORDSJÆLLAND 1-1 (1-0)
8.: 1-0 Atiba Hutchinson
78.: 1-1 Thomas Kristensen
Attendance: 21.535

F.C. Copenhagen: Jesper Christiansen - Lars Jacobsen, Michael Gravgaard, Brede Hangeland,  Niclas Jensen – Atiba Huthcinson, Michael Silberbauer, Hjalte Nørregaard (63.: William Kvist), Jesper Grønkjær - Fredrik Berglund (87.: Dan Thomassen), Ailton Almeida (77.: Oscar Wendt). (Un-used substitutes: Jeppe Brandrup, Benny Gall)

Bookings: Niclas Jensen and Hjalte Nørregaard