FCK out of Europe

FC Copenhagen bowed out of the Europa League at the last-16 stage with a 2-0 defeat at Ajax on Thursday.

The Lions took a 2-1 first-leg lead into the reverse tie in Amsterdam but could not prevent the Dutch side edging through to the quarter-finals.

Bertrand Traore headed home a rebounded shot just 23 minutes in to hand the hosts the lead.

And in first-half stoppage time Kasper Dolberg converted a penalty after Jores Okore had upended the Dane.

Copenhagen had their chances to his back - Youssef Toutouh and Andreas Cornelius both going close to finding the net.

But the Danish champions could not break through a stubborn Ajax defence and exited Europe battling to the end.

The defeat means Copenhagen have just two fronts to fight on: the Danish Superliga and the Danish Cup.

On Friday the Lions were drawn against AGF in the quarter-finals of the Danish Cup.

As for Europe, manager Ståle Solbakken expressed his pride at his side’s progress this season, having entered the Europa League after a spirited Champions League group stage.

“They were just better than us tonight, there’s no reason to hide that,” Ståle said.

“We started the game well but went behind at a slightly awkward moment where we felt we were in control.

“There was still time to get back in the fight but when they went 2-0 ahead just before the break it became difficult.

“Right now it's hard to find a smile, but we must remember that we have performed one of the club's greatest international performances.

“But when you get this far in the tournament, you have to be right at the top to get results.

“We have done that several times along the way, but did not succeed today.”

AJAX: 2 FC COPENHAGEN: 0 (3-2 AGG)

Ajax: Onana, Veltman, Sanchez, De Ligt, Viergever, Schöne, Van de Beek, Ziyech, Traore, Dolberg, Younes.

FC Copenhagen: Olsen, Augustinsson, Johansson, Okore, Ankersen, Toutou, Matic, Kvist, Gregus, Cornelius, Santander.

Goals: Troare, Ajax (23’), Dolberg, Ajax (45+2’).

Referee: Ivan Kruzliak (SVK).