FC Copenhagen kept their slim hopes of playing European football after Christmas alive after battling to a 1-0 win in Parken against Galatasaray in the Champions League Group B tonight.
The Lions went ahead after just six minutes thanks to a clever goal by Daniel Braaten before withstanding a heavy onslaught from the Turkish champions for much of the remainder of the game.
Braaten got onto the end of a low cross from Rurik Gislason and cheekily flicked the ball behind his own supporting leg and into the goal.
Plenty of heart
The Danes looked far more determined than they had two weeks ago in Istanbul, but Galatasaray began dominating 25 minutes into the game and had a goal by Bruma correctly ruled offside after Wiland had saved brilliantly from a Burak Yilmaz header.
Felipe Melo then hit the post for the Turks before Braaten squandered a massive chance to put FCK two just before the break.
Galatasaray dominated the vast majority of the second half but the hard-working Danes wouldn’t be denied and Parken burst into celebration as the ref blew for full time.
Decider against Juventus
The win means that the Danish champions leapfrog Juventus, who drew 2-2 with Real Madrid at home tonight, into third place with four points.
Galatasaray are also on four points but are second by virtue of a better head to head statistics. Real Madrid led the group with ten points, while Juventus have three.
Next up for FCK are Juventus away on November 27.
