Who we could get...

04/08 2011 17:12

After Tuesday's victory over Irish champions Shamrock Rovers secured a 3-0 aggregate passage into the playoff round of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, FC Copenhagen are yet to learn next their opponents. However, come Friday, the UEFA draw in Nyon will be made, with FCK one of six clubs in the ‘Group of Champions’.

The Lions are seeded, which means that we can meet one of the following teams:

• Wisla Krakow (Poland)

• Sturm Graz (Austria)

• Racing Genk (Belgium)

• Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic)

• Malmö FF (Sweden)

All five teams have, like Copenhagen, been through the third qualifying round, and among the surprise inclusions are our Swedish neighbours Malmö FF, who impressively beat Scottish champions Rangers FC over two legs. The Czech champions Viktoria Plzen did what FCK managed to do last season; they beat Norwegian side Rosenborg BK. Meanwhile Sturm Graz, who Copenhagen beat 1-0 in a game during pre-season in Austria this summer, overpowered FC Zestafoni of Georgia. Belgian side Racing Genk delivered a great result by beating Partizan Belgrade, while Wisla Krakow overcame the Bulgarian champions Litex Lovech.

The draw for the play off round takes place as said on Friday. Like previous years PARKEN will be covered with Champions League branding for the home tie. The first match will be played on 16/17 August, while the return match will be on 23/24 August. The games are to kick off at 20:45 Danish time.

Whoever the opponent is, there is a need for all fans of Copenhagen to provide the thrilling atmosphere PARKEN is fast gaining a reputation for having.