F.C. Copenhagen beat FC Basel to qualify for Champions League
F.C. Copenhagen will compete in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league stage after beating FC Basel on Wednesday night to secure progress from the play-off round.
A qualifying campaign that began against Kosovar side FC Drita in July finished with jubilant scenes in Parken as FCK beat Basel 2-0 in the Danish capital.
The 3-1 aggregate play-off result means FCK compete in European football's biggest club competition for the seventh time this season.
FCK will play eight game in the league stage – four at home and four on the road.
Ticket information will follow soon. The UEFA draw for the league phase takes place at 6pm CEST on Thursday.
FCK beat Basel
Wednesday night was a close affair against the Swiss champions, with little to split the two teams in the first half. But FCK took the lead shortly after the break when Elias Achouri found Andreas Cornelius free in the box to head home the opener.
Basel responded with two chances for Xhedan Shaqiri and Moritz Brochinski, both of which were saved by Dominik Kotarski.
After an hour, Youssoufa Moukoko replaced Achouri, and shortly after Magnus Mattsson came off injured, with William Clem entering the field.
The excitement continued, and while the minutes ticked by a little too slowly in the amazing atmosphere of 34,854 spectators, the Lions defended brilliantly when Basel chased the equaliser.
In the 84th minute substitute Viktor Claesson was felled in the box, and Moukoko coolly converted from the spot to make it 2-0.
The club would like to express its thanks to our supporters who provided a memorable atmosphere and helped deliver another iconic European night in the capital. We look forward to at least four more European home nights!
Carlsberg Man of the Match
Andreas Cornelius was named Carlsberg Man of the Match, as voted for by supporters.
F.C. Copenhagen team
Starting XI: Kotarski – Huescas, Gabriel, Garananga, Lopez – Larsson, Lerager (c), Mattsson, Achouri – Elyounoussi, Cornelius
Final XI: Kotarski – Huescas, Gabriel, Garananga, Lopez – ELounoussi, Lerager (c), Clem, Robert – Moukoko, Claesson