Firm lead before tricky second leg in Norway

F.C. Copenhagen came charging out and even before Grønkjær headed the home team in front on a corner kick in the 11th minute they had actually had several excellent opportunities. Following the goal the boys eased up a bit however, and from then on it was a much more even battle. Still, with plenty of chances for both sides, F.C. Copen-hagen just simply executed more deftly on theirs and therefore ended up beating the Norwegian champions 3-1.

By Lars Kristensen

Before the second leg, F.C. Copenhagen has thus built a healthy lead, yet progression is far from certain at this point. Firstly, Stabæk did indeed prove to be a fairly capable side and, secondly, for the return leg, they will in fact be enjoying a rather substantial home advantage due to the quite singular nature of their newly built arena which happens to be completely enclosed and fitted with artificial turf.

Ailton Almeida

- They proved a competent side, but we got three vital goals and have the advantage in the second game. We played very well offensively and created a lot of opportunities, and I am sure we can do the same up there and that therefore we will pull through in the end.

William Kvist

- That was a crucial goal for them, now they only have to win 2-0. Still, they will be forced on the attack to do exactly that and that should lend us some opportunities too.

Atiba Hutchinson

- It is an okay result for us. As a team they do in fact create quite a few chances which is why that third goal of ours was so important. We will just have to take it from there.

Jesper Christiansen

- We would of course have loved to shut them. In reality however, Stabæk does possess a couple of really dangerous guys in front and unfortunately they did get a little too close a little too often. As such, 3-1 is fair result.

The return leg of this 3rd round Champions League qualifying tie will be played in Norway next week. The overall winner will enter into the 4th and final qualifying round before the group stage.

Game stats:

F.C. Copenhagen – Stabæk IF  3-1 (2-0)

1-0 Grønkjær (11)

2-0 Santin (41)

2-1 Palmason (58)

3-1 Santin (80, pen)

Spectators: 15.383