FC Copenhagen’s final Champions League hurdle lies in Azerbaijan

Beaten 10-0 in 1998, Qarabag FK presents a significantly stronger challenge today

FC Copenhagen will take on Azeri champions Qarabag FK in the playoff to get into the Champions League.

The Lions avoided some potentially trickier opponents in the final round of qualifying and will travel away for the first leg on August 15-16, while the return fixture will take place a week later in Copenhagen.

Should the Danes falter at the final hurdle, they can at least rest assured that they will be playing in a Europa League group stage – the 11th time in 12 years FCK has made a European group stage.

READ MORE: European group stage secured as FC Copenhagen romps to victory

No walkover
The last time FCK met Qarabag, the Danes won 10-0 in the European Cup Winners Cup back in 1998.

They will face a tougher side now however, as the Azeri team has won the country’s last four league titles and reached the Europa League group stage in each of the last three seasons – notching up wins against commendable opposition such as Dnipro, Anderlecht and PAOK.

FCM heading to Cyprus
With Brøndby and Lyngby faltering in the Europa League qualifiers last night, only FC Midtjylland was in the bowl for the playoff draw today in Nyon.

The Wolves, who went through on a last-gasp winner in Herning last night, drew Cypriot outfit Apollon Limassol. The first leg will take place on August 17 in Cyprus and the return match will be played the following week in Herning.

See the rest of the Champions League playoff draw below.

 

(photo: UEFA)