Ottesen earns København group-stage prize

A header from Sölvi Ottesen ended Rosenborg BK's 31-match unbeaten run in 2010 and earned FC København a place in the UEFA Champions League group stage on away goals.

In a rousing first half in which the home side − trailing 2-1 following the play-off first leg last week − twice struck the woodwork, Ottesen nodded FCK in front after 33 minutes. Substitute Roar Strand struck the bar for the visitors in a frantic finale but it did not matter as FCK secured a place in Thursday's draw, while Rosenborg enter the UEFA Europa League.

The home fans greeted their team with a giant banner asking them to be 'klar til kamp' (ready for battle) yet it was Rosenborg who were quickest out of the blocks, Trond Olsen forcing Johan Wiland into action inside 20 seconds. In what was a break-neck start, Jesper Grønkjær then outfoxed Mikael Lustig and played in Oscar Wendt, whose lay-off afforded Martin Vingaard the space to roll a shot against the post.

The intensity, not to mention the noise, was unrelenting with Zdeněk Pospěch soon blazing over Wendt's cross before heading Vingaard's centre at Daniel Örlund. A reminder of the visitors' threat, if one was needed, arrived when Wiland clawed away Rade Prica's chip. Vingaard volleyed Simen Wangberg's miscued clearance narrowly wide as play switched swiftly to the other end, though it was only a matter of time before the pressure told.

Ottesen broke the deadlock, heading in Claudemir's long throw, and there was still time before the break for Vingaard to strike the post again and Pospěch to drag wide following Dame N'Doye’s counterattack. The hosts ended the first half with nine shots on target to their opponents' six, though after the break the roles were somewhat reversed as Rosenborg – now in need of a goal – began to gain a measure of control.

However, with the wily Grønkjær always lively down the left, FCK's threat persisted, and it was from another of the 33-year-old's deliveries that César Santin somehow failed to profit on the hour. More chances were soon forthcoming, however, with Örlund quickly out to thwart Claudemir and N'Doye heading over moments later. With FCK knowing a goal would leave them chasing the tie once more, the tension began to increase among the home support. Despite the continued pressure, FCK hung on, leaving them looking forward to a group-stage campaign for only the second time.