Narrow win against Aalesund

There was an almost complete squad overhaul for FC Copenhagen’s second friendly in the Copa del Sol tournament, with Mathias Zanka captaining a relative second-string XI against Aalesunds FK.

by Joe Short

Joining Zanka in defence were Jos Hooiveld and new signing Pierre Bengtsson, while Saban Özdogan filled in at right back. The two Thomases, Delaney and Kristensen, took over central midfield duties, pushing Martins Vingaard and Bergvold out to the wings. Up front, the season’s top goalscorer César Santin partnered Kenneth Zohore.

And it only took four minutes for Santin to prove yet again the clinical finishing that has seen him bag 13 Superliga goals already this season. Vingaard played forward to Bergvold who flicked the ball into Santin’s path; the striker powered home on the half volley for 1-0.

Unfortunately for the Lions this immediate spell of pressure soon subdued, as both teams found their rhythm in defence. Johan Wiland had to keep his wits about him at a dangerous in-swinging corner on seven minutes: the goalkeeper wrapping himself round the post to prevent the ball curling in.

Solid defensive display

Increasing Aalesunds pressure led to more stops for Wiland, most notably an effort deflected off Zanka’s knee, that the goalkeeper had to quickly switch direction to block. At the other end, Zohore saw a low effort saved from Aalesunds’ Sten Grytebust, and on the half-hour mark should really have made it 2-0. A quick one-two with Santin gave Zohore space, but the striker could only blast high over the crossbar.

Very few chances occurred in the remainder of the half, as both sides left large pockets behind their midfields; yet strong defensive work from Zanka and Hooiveld kept the opposition at bay. A Vingaard shot was deflected wide at the beginning of the second half, and two minutes later Zohore flicked a corner over the bar.

The Aalesunds attacking efforts eventually broke through on 62 minutes. Lars Fuhre cut back inside from the left wing, drilled a low ball across the box for Kjell Rune Sellin to flick into the net before substitute keeper Kim Christensen could properly react. The equaliser was nothing more than what the Norwegian side deserved; who had controlled possession for most of the second half.

Christensen becomes shoot-out saviour

The remaining minutes of the game saw a Kristensen header tipped over the bar; while Zohore turned well, beat his man but shot wide. Peter Orry Larsen blasted an effort over at the other end for Aalesunds.

With the match ending 1-1, both teams prepared for a penalty shoot-out to determine the progressor for the tournament. Christensen saved Aalesunds’ second penalty with a strong forearm, while five cool-headed Lions stepped up and neatly slotted home for a 5-3 victory in the shoot-out.

F.C. COPENHAGEN: 1 (5)  AALESUNDS FK: 1 (3)

FC Copenhagen: Wiland, Özdogan, Zanka (C), Hooiveld, Bengtsson, Vingaard, Kristensen, Delaney, Bergvold, Zohore, Santin.

Goals: Santin (4’), Kjell Rune Sellin, Aalesunds FK (62’)

Penalty shoot-out: Vingaard, TK, Bengtsson, Zohore og Bergvold (all five scored)