Neestrup praises 'huge performance' in Champions League win in Spain

F.C. Copenhagen head coach Jacob Neestrup praised his side's resilience and attitude after the 3-2 victory over Villarreal in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League showdown.

Goals from Mohamed Elyounoussi and Elias Achouri appeared to have the Lions on course for a point in Spain before Andreas Cornelius popped up with the 90th-minute winner.

"We had to work really hard for it tonight, and I think we delivered a huge performance against a top Spanish team," said Neestrup afterwards.

"Especially given the difficult period we have been through at home in the Superliga, this is one of my biggest moments with this group.

"I think we were clearly the best in the first half hour, but then they came into the game, and it was of course a shame that they equalised right after the break, but we responded well right away, and even after they got it back to 2-2, we reacted well and managed to keep the game open.

"It was a hectic match, and it could have gone either way. There were many great performances, and I would especially like to highlight the central area of the team, which ensured we were very sure on the ball tonight.

"Kotarski showed with several crucial saves what a class keeper he is, Suzuki was absolutely outstanding tonight in central defence together with Gabriel, and in central midfield Mads Emil and Clem did exactly what we had hoped for and played with great calm and consideration.

"It has been a difficult period for Mads Emil, because he came from AGF at a time when we were on a downward curve, but today he really showed his great qualities.

"And then our substitutes also made a difference, and I am of course pleased that both Achouri and Corner came on and scored.

"So all in all a really great night, but I wouldn't call it a turning point, because this is something different than the Superliga. But we showed that we can still play football, and it was an important victory for us in many ways.

"We now have seven points from six games, which may not have come in the games where we expected it, but it is clearly acceptable in this tournament, and that makes the next two games against Napoli and Barcelona a little more fun.

"But right now the main thing is to qualify for the Danish Cup semi-finals on Saturday, where we will also say a proper farewell to Lukas Lerager, because he really deserves it after what he has delivered for the club."