For the second straight Champions League qualification tie, FC Copenhagen has lost the first leg away 0-1. This time, though, it could have been worse.
Only some sterling keeping from Robin Olsen kept the Azeri side Qarabag at bay as he pulled off a string of quality saves in the second half to give the Danes a chance in their playoff finale.
“Aside from the result itself, I am particularly disappointed with our final 30 minutes,” said FCK coach Ståle Solbakken.
“0-1 is a tough result to bring back home, but not impossible. Qarabag must be favourites now and it will be really tough if they score in Copenhagen. On the flip-side, the psychology works to the effect that if we score first, we can take advantage.”
READ MORE: FC Copenhagen’s final Champions League hurdle lies in Azerbaijan
Early struggles
But can they do it again? Just two weeks ago, FCK brought home a 0-1 loss to Vardar, which they overturned with a 4-1 win.
They’ll have to play a lot better this time however, especially with defensive stalwart Erik Johansson out for the rest of the year.
The Lions’ defence has looked quite vulnerable so far this season and should have done better last night when Mahir Madatov put the Azeris ahead midway through the first half.
The return leg in Copenhagen will be played on Wednesday 23 August at 20:45.
