Club Brugge have no answer to four-goal København
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
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København scored four times without reply in the second half against Club Brugge to run out 4-0 winners in Group G, Thomas Delaney wowing the home fans with a stunning half-volley.
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Given the lead by Stefano Denswil's own goal, København let loose in the final half-hour as they condemned Club Brugge to their second defeat in UEFA Champions League Group G.
Having failed to make the breakthrough in a first half they dominated, FCK profited from a piece of miscommunication between Brugge keeper Ludovic Butelle and Denswil, who turned a driven cross from right-back Peter Ankersen into his own net.
Denswil then conceded a penalty for a high challenge on Federico Santander, and though Ludwig Augustinsson's effort was saved, it was soon 2-0 – Thomas Delaney rifling a left-footed half-volley in off a post from outside the area.
Santander added a third when he sweetly connected with another Augustinsson corner, volleying high into the roof of the net. From the last corner of the night, again taken by Augustinsson, Mathias Jørgensen headed in the fourth. It confirmed the hosts' biggest UEFA Champions League victory.
Key player: Thomas Delaney (København)
The consummate captain's performance from the København skipper: industry, leadership and inspiration, with a goal of the season contender thrown in for good measure. The FCK No8 had his Danish pastry and ate it against Brugge.
Tougher tests ahead
København's first-half display suggested they perhaps lack a touch of individual creativity when they have to take the game to opponents. However, while Brugge came to Denmark happy to settle for a point, Leicester City and Porto will no doubt be more ambitious, which will suit FCK.
Unhappy return
Club Brugge had waited 11 years to grace the group stage again. This, however, is not what they expected. Beaten 3-0 on matchday one, they were subjected to a heavier, more painful reverse tonight. Do they have it in them to recover?
Reporter's views
Ian Holyman, København (@UEFAcomIanH)
What a great start to the group stage. Ståle Solbakken's men have four points from two games, and though unexpected, they are fully deserved. With the Parken crowd as enthusiastic off the pitch as their team is on it, Brugge found out what FCK's domestic rivals already know: picturesque Copenhagen is not a good place to come for points. Leicester and Porto have been warned!
Berend Scholten, Club Brugge (@UEFAcomBerendS)
Brugge travelled with renewed confidence after following up their home loss to Leicester with three successive wins. FCK had the better of the first half without causing their visitors too many problems. However, once Denswil had unwittingly intervened, it was all downhill for the Blue and Blacks.