Larsson gives FCK first-leg lead in Danish Cup semis
Jordan Larsson scored the only goal as F.C. Copenhagen beat Viborg 1-0 in the first leg of this season's Danish Cup semi-finals on Thursday.
Larsson collected Viktor Claesson's neat flick before rifling home from the angle to secure victory for the Lions.
“We gave ourselves a good starting point with the win but nothing is decided yet, because we still have to finish the job in Parken next week,” said FCK head coach Jacob Neestrup.
“Even though it was a close game, I think overall we deserved to win, especially the way the second half developed.”
The win comes four days after FCK beat AGF 3-1 in the Danish Superliga to maintain a one-point lead over FC Midtjylland in the title race, with just four games remaining.
"This is a place where we’ve lost recently, so that’s also why I’m happy that we’re going home with a win, but I’m a big admirer of this Viborg team, which is well-trained and has got some individual quality on the wings and up front. So we’re only halfway to the goal, and nothing is decided," added Neestrup.
The reverse fixture in Parken kicks off at 7pm on Thursday 8 May, with tickets available online.
“Despite our 1-0 lead, we have to attack the second leg like we did today, that is, like a normal Superliga match, where we are going to put them under pressure in Parken to win the match. But Viborg has made several comebacks this spring, so we are not taking the task lightly," said Neestrup.
“Then we have to see towards the end how the match develops, because cup matches are a little different. It's about advancing to the cup final that we all dream of being in again.
"I told all the players during the winter break that you are welcome to 'jump the queue' in our pecking order and, after Jordan was out for a long time with an injury in the autumn, he has really seized his chance and gained the self-confidence that you often get when you play continuously. And today he again showed the efficiency that we have lacked several times this season, especially in the autumn."