Sparta Prague thrashed 3-0!

Beforehand it may have translated into a thrilling, direct battle for a life-saving second place in group K of the Europa League but in reality it never came close to resembling anything like an actual contest. F.C. Copenhagen took charge of the proceedings from the very beginning and never let up, severely punishing Sparta for each and every mistake made by their rather inexperienced central defenders.

By Lars Kristensen

Atiba Hutchinson

- It was fantastic! We played outstandingly right through to the very end. We kept them from ever getting any real chances and scored on the ones we got. The entire team put forth a rather complete performance and it is wonderful to end the autumn on such great, winning form.

Zdenek Pospech

- We played a perfect game where everyone did their job perfectly. It was of course a rather special night and obviously I am very happy that we did so well in such an important game. Also, I think that in a way it was okay that the audience hounded me but in fact I did find it quite difficult to tie my shoelaces in the bitter cold and fortunately the spectators ultimately forgave me.

Ståle Solbakken

- Today’s game ranks high on our long list of great international results. Up until tonight, Sparta had not lost at home all season, so we knew it would be difficult, but everyone played their very best and I think the game is proof that this team really is made from the right stuff. We are deeply involved in the shaping of a strong club profile and games like these are very important in that process.

Thus, the end result is that F.C. Copenhagen has taken its Europa League campaign into the knock-out phase for the second year in a row. Even more impressive perhaps is the fact that this was indeed the forth European group stage appearance in as many years and this consistent excellence means that F.C. Copenhagen now is the top-ranked Nordic club coming in at 56th place in the overall UEFA team rankings.

The Europa League picks up in approximately two months time with the first and second legs of the first knock-out round scheduled for 18 and 25 Feb, respectively. The draws for both the impending Round of 32 as well as the ensuing Round of 16 will be made on Friday at 13.00 (CET).

Game stats:

AC Sparta Prague - F.C. Copenhagen 0-3 (0-2)

0-1 Dame N'Doye (22) 

0-2 Dame N'Doye (30)

0-3 Jesper Grønkjær (54), penalty

Spectators: 17,151