Ståle Solbakken

Ståle: We were more effective today

It was a proud and relieved Ståle Solbakken who sat down in his press conference after F.C. Copenhagen's 3-1 win over Celtic in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.

FCK beat the Scottish Champions 4-2 on aggregate to progress to the last-16 stage of the competition.

Yet Ståle admits the tie could have gone either way.

"We kept them down pretty well before the break, where they had their best period in the middle of the half with some dead balls," Ståle said.

"And where we were a little bit on the ropes. But we handled it and had some good counter-attacks that we just couldn't finish properly.

"After the break, it was a very straightforward fight that could have gone both ways, but we were more effective today.

"I am very proud that we can come here and score three goals at a ground where it has been difficult for many teams to play, including in the Champions League.

"And especially the way we came back, after they drew level on a perfectly correct penalty. It was very strong of the boys to come back so well and play through Celtic's defence twice and score."

Next up for FCK is Sunday's home league clash against AaB in Telia Parken.

The Lions will discover their Europa League last-16 opponents on Friday.

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