Allbäck celebrates United downfall

Marcus Allbäck was basking in the satisfaction of a job well done after scoring the goal that gave FC København their first UEFA Champions League victory - but he was quick to add that fortune had played its part after the Danish side overcame Manchester United FC 1-0 at the Parken Stadium.

'Lived up to expectations'
The game seemed to be heading for a goalless draw when the Swedish striker pounced on 73 minutes to scramble in Atiba Hutchinson's header and give the Danish champions not only their first UEFA Champions League goal but also their maiden victory. "When I spoke to you before the game, I said this was the biggest game of my club career and I'm glad to say it lived up to expectations," a delighted Allbäck told uefa.com. "I can't say that I took my goal at the first touch but I got it at the second attempt and fortunately it went in."

Humble in victory
It was Allbäck's first UEFA Champions League goal and although he was pleased to provide the perfect response to recent criticism, the striker also admitted that a combination of poor finishing from United and a heavy pitch contributed to their victory. "Unfortunately the pitch didn't allow us to play the way we wanted and I'm sure United would say the same," said Allback. "But that's the way it is and we made the most of it. United had a couple of great chances in the ten minutes before our goal when [Wayne] Rooney and [John] O'Shea went close, so we were lucky to win and have to be humble with the victory.

'Massive result'
"It's a massive result, especially because the media here in Denmark have been speculating a lot on why we hadn't scored a goal or won a game. I think that's a little unfair because we are playing against teams in our group who have played a lot of international and Champions League football, which we haven't."

'Back in the hunt'
The win moves København on to four points alongside SL Benfica and a trip to the Portuguese capital is next up for Allbäck and his team-mates. While he concedes it will be difficult to take anything from that match, he expects the final fixture at home to Celtic FC on 6 December to prove decisive, saying: "We have a small chance of going through to the knockout stages ourselves but we will certainly have a say in who does reach the next stage. Obviously, it will be difficult to get anything from the game in Lisbon but we have a good chance against Celtic at home and after beating United we are back in the hunt."