Lions win Europa League away leg

FC Copenhagen claimed a crucial away victory in their last-32 Europa League first leg at Ludogorets.

An Anicet Abel own goal and Youssef Toutouh’s second-half strike handed Copenhagen a two-goal lead.

Claudiu Kerseru hit back for the hosts 12 minutes from time but FCK held on for the win.

The reverse clash takes place next Thursday in Telia Parken, with Copenhagen requiring just a draw or 1-0 defeat to progress to the last-16.

Manager Ståle Solbakken named a strong XI for the first competitive fixture back after the winter break.

And the boss was rewarded almost immediately as a corner from the right hit Abel and bobbled into the net just two minutes in.

Robin Olsen was on hand to deny Ludogorets a leveller before half time - the goalkeeper matching up to Jonathan Cafu’s shot.

Toutouh hit the post just secodns after the break as the Lions sought the double their advantage and eight minutes later the winger did find the goal. 

Peter Ankersen fed in Rasmus Falk on the right of the box and the Dane cut back to Toutouh when he hit the byline, leading his team-mate with time and space to fire low into the net.

Ludogorets did hit back in bizarre fashion when a cross from the left bounced up and hit the crossbar, leaving Kerseru to tap home with Olsen stranded.

But the result means FCK are in a healthy position going into the second leg in the Danish capital.

LUDOGORETS: 1 FC COPENHAGEN: 2

Ludogorets: Stoyanov, Palomino, Natanael, Abel, Dyakov, Cafu, Minev, Moti, Marcelinho, Wanderson, Misidjan.

FC Copenhagen: Olsen, Augustinsson, Johansson, Zanka, Ankersen, Toutouh, Kvist, Matic, Falk, Cornelius, Santander.

Goals: Abel (o.g. 2’), Toutouh (53’), Keseru, Ludogorets (81’).

Referee: Ivan Bebek (CRO).