Neestrup on BVB loss, Dadason goal and Moukoko
F.C. Copenhagen head coach Jacob Neestrup admits Borussia Dortmund were the better side in Tuesday's 4-2 UEFA Champions League defeat in Parken – but took away plenty of positives from the clash.
The Lions were level with Dortmund and had chances to take the lead until the hour mark, when Ramy Bensebaini converted from the penalty spot.
And while 17-year-old Viktor Dadason bagged a goal in stoppage time, it was too late to rescue a point for the Danish champions.
"We did what we could tonight, but we ended up losing to a better team, and there was a big difference in the last 20-25 minutes," said Neestrup afterwards.
"We have to live with the fact that we kept the game alive until they made it 3-1 with quarter of the game left. We were able to get one back to make it 4-2 at the very end, so the numbers became a little more bearable to look at.
“But we're always upset when we lose, and I would have liked to have seen us reach a higher level, because we performed a little below what we can when we are at our best in Parken.
"We couldn’t do that today, and based on the context of our current situation, I am satisfied. I think the players did everything they could but it just wasn’t enough against a strong opponent like Dortmund.
“We had some good periods, both after the equaliser to make it 1-1 in the first half and after they made it 2-1 in the second half. But we didn’t manage to get more out of the good periods, and in the end it is completely deserved that Dortmund won."
Icelander Dadason came on as a second-half substitute in Parken for his Champions League debut, and headed home in stoppage time to give the FCK fans something to cheer.
Reflecting on the teenager's performance, Neestrup said: “There is always something you can take away from a match, and it was great to see Dadason deliver a good outing again.
"The other day (vs Silkeborg) to got an assist and today a goal. If he can keep that average in just 65 minutes of playing time, then it looks really promising.
"He showed with the goal that it's important to have someone at the back post and to seize the opportunities when you get them. He has done that so far, and it's not the last we have seen of him, either in the short or long term."
It was Dadason's first appearance in Parken, while it was also a special evening for Youssoufa Moukoko playing against his old club.
"Moukoko showed great progress and was on top form both under pressure and when we had the ball," added Neestrup. "Even though he sometimes wants a little too much, it's better that than not wanting it at all.
"I am very happy and satisfied with what I saw from him today."