Randers FC-FCK 0-2 (0-2)
A confident and concentrated F.C. Copenhagen scored twice in the first 13 minutes, and that practically settled the game at Essex Park against cup-holders Randers FC, who never really threatened the champions.
F.C. Copenhagen line-up: Jesper Christiansen - Lars Jacobsen, Brede Hangeland, Michael Gravgaard, Oscar Wendt - Michael Silberbauer, Tobias Linderoth (88.: Dan Thomassen), Hjalte Nørregaard (78.: Martin Bergvold), Atiba Hutchinson - Fredrik Berglund (68.: Razak Pimpong), Marcus Allbäck
During the last two weeks most of the first time squad had been away on International duties, and it was not until the day before the game that head coach Ståle Solbakken had all players available – except the injured André Bergdølmo and Jesper Grønkjær. But everyone was ready right from the kick off, and after only two minutes, former Randers-defender Michael Gravgaard silenced the home crowd when he perfectly met a freekick from Oscar Wendt and headed the ball home.
In the 9th minute Atiba Hutchinson found Fredrik Berglund with a perfect pass, but when the Swedish striker chipped the ball in the net, he was already flagged offside. The Randers-defence didn’t learn from this lesson, and a few minutes later Hutchinson and Berglund copied the trick. This time the flag stayed down, and the champions could comfort their fans with a two-goal lead.
Fredrik Berglund chips the ball past Martin S. Jensen to double the lead
Copenhagen was now totally in control and could easily have doubled the lead around the half hour. Marcus Allbäck sent the ball over the target from the edge of the penalty area, man-of-the-match Atiba Hutchinson hit the post with a low left-footed drive, and the Randers-defence surprisingly left Michael Gravgaard very alone in the area after a corner kick, but this time the keeper managed to hold on to his bullet header.
Towards the end of the first half, the guests loosened their tight grip of the game, and allowed Randers to produce a couple of hearty efforts, but it never really became dangerous for the alert and consequent defence.
After the break, Copenhagen seized the opportunity to save their strengths, bearing in mind that Old Trafford was only three days ahead. 20 minutes passed by, before the Randers-keeper was tested again, when Michael Silberbauer found Fredrik Berglund in the area, but the Suede was denied a second goal. Shortly after he was substituted with Razak Pimpong, who brought some pace and offensive initiative to the game, but there were no more goals in the game. And while the home crowd trickled out in the dark, the visiting fans celebrated Copenhagens fourth consecutive league-win, which secures a top-of-the-table-position for at least another week.
Razak Pimpong looking for target
After the game, Ståle Solbakken was of course satisfied with the three points and especially the first 35 minutes, when his team played at their best. Keeper Jesper Christiansen acknowledged that the forthcoming United-game had been in the players’ mind, but emphasized the teams ability to focus at one game at a time. Tobias Linderoth as usual delivered a 100 % performance, but as soon as the game was over, his thoughts were back in Copenhagen with his heavily pregnant wife, and the delivery might prevent him from going to Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Matchfacts
Randers FC-F.C. Copenhagen 0-2 (0-2)
3.: 0-1 Michael Gravgaard
13.: 0-2 Fredrik Berglund
Attendance: 8.814
Squad: Jesper Christiansen - Lars Jacobsen, Brede Hangeland, Michael Gravgaard, Oscar Wendt - Michael Silberbauer, Tobias Linderoth (88.: Dan Thomassen), Hjalte Nørregaard (78.: Martin Bergvold), Atiba Hutchinson - Fredrik Berglund (68.: Razak Pimpong), Marcus Allbäck. (Unused substitutes: Benny Gall, William Kvist)
Booked: Oscar Wendt (80.)
