Lions through to Cup semis

by Joe Short

Pierre Bengtsson’s second-half finish earned FC Copenhagen safe passage into the DBU Cup semi-finals after the Lions came from behind to beat Lyngby 2-1.

The left-back’s unstoppable free-kick put Copenhagen in front after Thomas Kristensen’s first-half penalty had levelled the scores.

Patrick Mortensen had given the home the side the lead with a classic striker’s finish but the Danish champions persisted to make their second semi-final in three years. 

Kristensen scores from the spot

Head coach Ståle Solbakken made a number of changes from the XI that beat Brøndby on Sunday, Daniel Braaten and Marvin Pourie starting up front with Danny Amankwaa being placed on the wing. Kris Stadsgaard partnered Ragnar Sigurdsson in the heart of defence and Jakob Busk started in goal.

It was Lyngby who offered the most going forward early on and took the lead midway through the first half when Mortensen coolly converted David Boysen’s centre from close range.

Copenhagen reacted well to going behind and hit back in just six minutes from the penalty spot. There was no doubt in the referee’s mind as Rurik Gislason headed the ball onto Jeppe Brandrup’s arm and moments later Kristensen buried his penalty for 1-1.

Bengtsson ensures Cup progression

FCK could have gone into the break leading had Pourie done better with a golden opportunity on the counter attack. The striker broke fast and used Braaten’s run out wide to career into the gap but he shot into the side netting.

The Lions didn’t have to wait long to take the lead in the second half, however, as Bengtsson unleashed a thunderous free-kick past Lukas Fernandes before the goalkeeper could get a strong enough glove on it.

The goal settled FCK nerves and they played some neat football in the middle of the park afterwards, only rarely going forward with intent on extending their lead. Kristensen volleyed wide from a corner and Braaten missed a one-on-one chance but Lyngby failed to capitalise, meaning the Lions move through to the semis next spring.

LYNGBY BK: 1 FC COPENHAGEN: 2

FC Copenhagen: Busk, Remmer, Stadsgaard, Sigurdsson, Margreitter, Kristensen, Bolaños, Gislason, Kristensen, Amankwaa, Braaten, Pourie.

Goals: Mortensen, LBK (22’), Kristensen (pen. 28’), Bengtsson (52’).