Goldbæk: - anything can happen in football
On Wednesday evening FC Copenhagen will attempt to jump one of the bigger hurdles in the clubs history. After a 2-0 loss at home to Chelsea FC in the first leg of the last-16 round of the UEFA Champions League, the Lions now have the task of winning by two goals at Stamford Bridge to move on to the quarterfinals.
by Joe Short
Since Chelsea won in PARKEN, the team has played two matches in the Premiership, winning both. On 1 March Chelsea came from a goal behind to beat Manchester United: Brazilian David Luiz drew the scores level before Frank Lampard buried a penalty in the 80th minute to secure a vital 2-1 win over their title rivals.
The following week Chelsea met Blackpool at Bloomfield Road, and showed their ability to move up a gear when it really matters. John Terry and a Frank Lampard brace put Chelsea ahead 3-0, and while Blackpool staged a possible late comeback, the Blues saw the game out comfortably 3-1.
The two wins mean that Chelsea are again looking at a top-four spot, and since they are only two points behind Manchester City – and have a game in hand – third spot may be the goal for Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season, as a top-two finish would mean catching up with Manchester United and Arsenal: both in a good domestic run of form.
Bjarne Goldbæk on Chelsea
In the autumn of 1998 Copenhagen and Chelsea were drawn together in the European Cup Winners Cup. The first leg was played at Stamford Bridge, where Bjarne Goldbæk gave the Lions a 1-0 lead just nine minutes before time. However, Marcel Desailly equalised in the 90th minute; and when Chelsea won the second leg 1-0 at PARKEN, it was the Englishmen who progressed in the tournament. Four days after the second leg Goldbæk transferred to the London side.
Goldbæk is still the only FC Copenhagen player who has scored against Chelsea, so FCK.dk got a few quick words from the ex-player on his former conquest:
- Chelsea is a club that has changed a lot since I played there. The club is simply larger in all areas. It has almost completely transformed itself from an '80s club with fan problems to become a top-class set up – among other things thanks to money from Roman Abramovich. They have one of the largest training facilities, and have been one of the leading clubs in both England and Europe over the past several years.
- When I played there they were just beginning to establish themselves. The club had just won the European Cup Winners Cup (1-0 against Stuttgart). I liked my time there; there was a good atmosphere at the club. I arrived into a squad with 20 international stars, but it also meant that there was always someone there to prove something. We all had great mutual respect for each other and there was a relaxed atmosphere in the squad.
FC Copenhagen came close in 1998. Is the gap between FCK and Chelsea bigger today than it was then?
- Looking at financial turnover, the difference is probably even greater. You have to admit that although Copenhagen is the best in Scandinavia, Chelsea is among the finest teams in Europe. I do not know if the gap between FCK and Chelsea is decidedly larger than before, but there is a huge hole in all areas.
Do you think Chelsea are going to underestimate FC Copenhagen?
- They will certainly. They won relatively easily with the 2-0 result in PARKEN, and they could well believe it will be a walk-over on Wednesday. They figure that they are more or less in the quarterfinals, and FCK could get their chance if they can get ahead 1-0. If this happens, then the thought will spread in the players’ minds: that anything can happen in football. But it all also requires FCK – as I said – to score the first goal. It is unimportant whether the goal is good, lucky or an own goal. It is also a certainty that if Chelsea go ahead 1-0, the tie is over.
- But I hope that FCK will give the fight a chance, and above all, leave a good impression at hand to all those watching.
Goldbæk will incidentally be present at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, hoping of course for a Copenhagen miracle…