Copenhagen welcomed Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday knowing that three points against the Spanish outfit would book their spot in the Europa League.
Both sides had opportunities in an open first period, but Luka Modric's curling effort left Madrid with a one-goal lead at the interval.
It was 2-0 in the early stages of the half when Cristiano Ronaldo converted from close range, but the Portuguese passed up the chance to score from the penalty spot late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Matchday six in the Champions League is upon us. Our focus this evening is on Group B, where Real Madrid make the trip to Copenhagen. The home side need three points to be sure of third position and a place in the Europa League. Meanwhile, Madrid have already qualified as group winners after taking 13 points from their five group matches.
Just a reminder that the reverse clash between the two sides in Madrid ended in a 4-0 win for the home side. Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel di Maria both scored twice on that particular evening, with the visitors struggling to match the intensity of Carlo Ancelotti’s side. However, the Danish outfit will certainly be confident of causing an upset on their own patch.
The October meeting was the first time that Real Madrid have faced Dutch opposition since the 1994-95 campaign. That season will not hold fond memories for the Spanish outfit as they were beaten in the UEFA Cup third-round tie by Odense BK. Overall, Madrid’s record against teams from Denmark is played 11, won nine, drawn one and lost one.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: No real surprises in the Copenhagen XI this evening with former Premier League defenders Olof Mellberg and Lars Jacobsen both starting. There is also a place in attack for Igor Vetokele. Real Madrid, meanwhile, hand a start to Spanish defender Nacho in defence. Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale are also in the XI.
TEAMS:
COPENHAGEN: Wiland; Bengtsson, Mellberg, Sigurdsson, Jacobsen; Claudemir, Delaney, Gislason, Jorgensen; Vetokele, Toutouh
REAL MADRID: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Nacho, Marcelo; Modric, Alonso; Bale, Isco, Ronaldo; Benzema
So there we have it. Stale Solbakken names an attacking side this evening with Jorgensen and Toutouh joining Vetokele in the final third. However, Santin and Kristiansen are both on the bench. Madrid, meanwhile, leave Angel di Maria, Jese and Alvaro Morata on the bench, but there are starts for Isco and Karim Benzema.
Copenhagen opened their Champions League Group B campaign with a credible 1-1 draw against Juventus, before losing in the Bernabeu. The Danish outfit suffered defeat in their next match as they lost 3-1 against Galatasaray in Turkey, but they put themselves back in the qualification picture with a 1-0 win over the Turkish outfit on their own patch.
Their hopes of qualifying for the latter stages of the Champions League were ended last time out, however, as they lost 3-1 at Juventus. As it stands, second position in the group is far from decided with Juventus travelling to Galatasaray this evening. Victory for the home side would see them move above Juve and indeed advance into the knockout stages.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a sensational 6-1 win in Turkey against Galatasaray, before thumping Copenhagen 4-0 in the Spanish capital. The Spanish outfit made it three wins from three in their next fixture as they beat Juventus 2-1, before picking up a point in a 2-2 draw in Turin.
The Spanish outfit made sure of top spot last time out when they thumped Galatasaray 4-1 in the Spanish capital. Madrid have scored 18 times in their five group matches this season – should they score three or more this evening, they will set a new record for the best goals return in the group stage which is currently held by Manchester United and Barcelona (both 20).
Copenhagen do not have fond memories of facing Spanish opposition having failed to win in nine matches against teams from La Liga. At home, they have drawn twice and lost twice, while overall they have lost five and drawn four. They faced Barcelona in the group stages of the 2010-11 campaign – drawing 1-1 at home, but losing 2-0 in the Camp Nou.
The Danish outfit do have previous in the latter stages of the Champions League, meanwhile, as they finished second in their group in the 2010-11 season behind Barcelona. In the round of 16 they were drawn against Chelsea, but lost 2-0 on aggregate to exit the competition. One thing is for certain, Copenhagen have shown that they can perform at this level of football.
Real Madrid enter the match boasting a stunning scoring record on the road in Europe. The Spanish side have found the back of the net in their last 20 European games away from home, losing just four times in the process. They reached the semi-finals last season, but were beaten by Borussia Dortmund, who eventually lost in the final to their domestic rivals Bayern Munich.
As it stands, Copenhagen sit third in their domestic table having collected 30 points from their 18 matches to date. They are two points adrift of second-place AaB and six from leaders Midtylland. The Danish outfit have remarkably not lost in the league since the end of September, while they enter this match off the back of a 1-0 win over Vestsjaelland at the weekend.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, also sit third in their domestic table. The capital outfit are just three points behind leaders Barcelona, however, who top the table with 40 points after 15 matches. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have not lost in any competition since going down 2-1 at Barcelona at the end of October, which is an indication of the task facing the home side this evening.
That said, the away side enter the match off the back of a disappointing result at the weekend. Madrid had been expected to thump Olimpic de Xativa in the first leg of their fourth-round clash in the Copa del Rey, but a team without the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale struggled to a goalless draw.
Speaking of Ronaldo, the Portuguese has scored 25 times in 18 games for Madrid this season. That includes eight in four games in the Champions League. Overall, he has netted 59 times in this particular competition, which includes a run of 29 goals in his last 23 European games. What more can be said about that run of form? Quite sensational.
Here’s a word from Copenhagen boss Stale Solbakken: "We are still alive and we will hope that we can provide one last, brave effort to go through. I have said that I hope for one Christmas present before December 24 and that is a win or maybe a draw in Parken (against Real),” he told the club’s official website.
PREDICTION: One thing is for certain, Copenhagen will be full of running and intensity this evening. However, you just worry whether they can repel Real Madrid on the counter. I expect the home side to score, but I cannot see them keeping a clean sheet. My score prediction is 3-1 Real Madrid on this mild evening in Denmark.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that the home side need to score first if they are to take something from this match. A win would see them finish third.
Just a reminder of the main team news. Jacobsen skippers the home side, while there are also starts for Vetokele, Jorgensen and Toutouh. Madrid, meanwhile, have Bale, Ronaldo and Benzema in an attacking XI, but Sergio Ramos is suspended. Right, the away side get the action underway in Denmark. Let's hope for goals.
It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. Perfect night for a game of football. As expected, Madrid have taken control of the possession in the opening minute or two with the likes of Modric and Alonso enjoying the ball in the middle of the park. It is imperative that the home side keep their concentration in the early stages.
It's really good work from the home side as Jorgensen drives past two defenders before finding Delaney, but his cross is straight into the arms of Iker Casillas, who once more starts in the Champions League. Madrid look long towards Benzema moments later, but Mellberg is on hand to clear. Good tempo to the early stages in Denmark, but still no real attacking pressure from either side.
It must be said that the pitch is not in the best condition this evening, which is making it difficult for the away side to move the ball quickly. Alonso looks long towards Bale moments later, but the Welshman is ruled offside. Copenhagen break down the other end with Vetokele, but the Belgian striker cannot collect under pressure from Nacho and the danger is cleared.
Half-chance for the home side as Vetokele finds Toutouh inside the box, but the attacker cannot make proper contact on the ball. Madrid are down the other end with Ronaldo moments later, but his long-range strike is blocked by Mellberg. Just a few signs that the tempo is starting to rise as Marcelo's low cross is cleared, before Vetokele causes Pepe problems in the next attack.
Not good news for the home side in the early stages as they are forced into an early change. Jorgensen is the player that departs, with Costa Rican international Bolanos entering proceedings. The attacker is immediately involved in the Madrid half, but his cross is straight into the arms of Casillas.
The referee has been more involved than he would like in the last couple of moments as he is forced to intervene following a late challenge from Modric on Vetokele. The resulting free kick is delivered by Bolanos, but a foul is awarded inside the area. No real chances for either side in the opening 14 minutes of football.
Couple of free kicks for Madrid come to nothing as Alonso delivers straight into the arms of Wiland. The Spanish outfit continue to enjoy possession in the Copenhagen half, but they have been unable to find that elusive pass thus far. The home side break down the other end with Bengtsson, who finds Gislason, but there are no takers on his low cross into the box.
Madrid's first half-chance falls to Bale as the Welshman meets a cross from Arbeloa, but his header just drops wide of the post. The away side have just started to take control of the possession, with Copenhagen's threat coming on the counter. Still goalless with 17 minutes on the clock in this Champions League clash.
Untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Copenhagen force a free kick as Marcelo fells Gislason, with the Brazilian picking up a yellow in the process. However, the move breaks down when Nacho rises above Toutouh to clear the danger.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Marcelo finds Benzema inside the box, but the Frenchman can only poke his effort into the arms of the goalkeeper. Copenhagen break down the other end with Bolanos moments later, but once more the final pass is to a Madrid shirt. Not too much to report as the first period continues to gather pace in Denmark.
CHANCE! The first real chance of the match falls to Benzema as the Madrid striker turns on the edge of the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Wiland. The Spanish outfit are just starting to find space in the final third with Isco and Modric continuing to operate between the lines.
GOAL! Copenhagen 0-1 Real Madrid (Modric)
Wonderful, just wonderful from Modric. Madrid take the lead on this cold night in Denmark as the Croatian midfielder curls one into the top corner after some neat footwork on the edge of the box. The game needed something like that.
It took Modric a bit of time to impose himself in the Madrid XI, but he is now a key member of the team. Copenhagen attempt to respond as Delaney slides a low ball into the Madrid box, but Casillas is out to collect. You just get the feeling that the home side need to stay in the match in the next five minutes or so.
The home side just cannot get the ball at the moment as Madrid continue to keep possession in the opposing half. Benzema has another half-chance as he meets a cross from Pepe, but his header was straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Denmark.
Half-chance for Ronaldo this time as the Portuguese strikes a bouncing ball outside the box, but Wiland just manages to push it wide of the post. Copenhagen are really struggling at the moment as the Spanish side continue to dominate possession. Another goal for Madrid and this one could be over, even at this early stage.
Alonso strikes a wonderful 40-yard ball towards Bale, but Wiland just manages to beat the Welshman to the ball as the pressure continues to rise. Just a reminder that the home side need to win this evening if they are to finish in third position. Madrid, regardless of their result, will top the section. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
It's a really poor challenge from Toutouh as the Copenhagen attacker dives into a tackle with Alonso, leaving his mark on the Spaniard. However, the referee takes no action. The home side just cannot keep the ball at the moment as we enter the latter stages of the half. Isco, Modric and Alonso are all involved in the possession.
It must be said that the home supporters are creating a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium, but their side is struggling there is no question about that. The Danish outfit force the ball into the Madrid box through Jacobsen, but Casillas is on hand to claim. Not too much football to be played in the first period.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Ronaldo to make it 2-0 for Madrid as he curls one towards the bottom corner, but Wiland is across to push his effort wide of the post. The resulting corner is whipped in by Bale, but Toutouh clears. It is testing times for the team in white as the pressure grows.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Copenhagen think they have equalised as Delaney forces the ball home from close range, but the referee consults his linesman before disallowing the goal. Replays show that it was indeed a good decision with the Copenhagen attacker handling the ball. The celebrations are cut short.
Uncertain defending from Madrid almost presents a chance to Vetokele, but Arbeloa manages to clear for a corner at the vital moment. Claudemir has an effort from outside the box moments later, but Pepe is on hand to make the block. Good period for the home side as they continue to force the issue.
Half-chance for Alonso this time as Isco finds the Spaniard on the edge of the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. It is so important that the home side do not concede a second before the interval.
HALF-TIME: Copenhagen 0-1 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Real Madrid leading at the interval. The only goal of the half came after 25 minutes when Modric curled a wonderful effort into the top corner. The home side have had their moments, but have struggled to force the issue in the final third.
STATISTICS: Madrid have dominated the possession with 63%, while they have had 10 attempts to Copenhagen's four. Eight of the away side's efforts have also been on target, although most have come from distance. The referee has issued just the one card to Marcelo, although he might have handed a couple of bookings to the home side after some late challenges.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have already been forced into a change with Bolanos replacing Jorgensen in the early stages. However, they still have options in the shape of Kristensen, Pourie and Santin. Madrid, meanwhile, have the likes of Di Maria, Jese and Morata in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. Group B's other match between Galatasaray and Juventus has been interrupted due to the weather and it is unclear whether the match will resume. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes underway.
You just get the feeling that the next goal could decide this match. If Real Madrid score a second, it could be game over. However, an equaliser for the home side would raise the crowd and then anything could happen. Bolanos sets the tempo in the opening minute as he dives into a challenge with Arbeloa, but the referee takes no further action. There have been some late challenges.
GOAL! Copenhagen 0-2 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
Real Madrid score their second in the early stages of the half as Pepe's header finds Ronaldo, who cannot miss at the back post. Game over?! The home side have it all to do from this position.
Madrid are running riot at the moment with Bale, Benzema and Ronaldo all involved in the final third. The latter attempts to find Benzema inside the area, but Mellberg is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Copenhagen attempt to break with Delaney, but the move breaks down when Nacho comes across to clear the danger.
Galatasaray against Juventus has been abandoned this evening due to excess weather. A date has not yet been set, although it is understood that the match could be played tomorrow.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Madrid are in total control of proceedings. Vetokele attempts to force the issue for the home side as he works the ball wide before meeting a cross from Delaney, but his header never had enough power to really trouble Casillas in the Madrid goal.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Gislason skips away from Marcelo before attempting to find the bottom corner, but his effort just whistles wide of the post. He has looked the most likely there is no question about that. Little under 35 minutes of football remaining in Denmark.
Another half-chance for the home side as Toutouh dances into the Madrid box, but he just loses his footing at the vital moment, allowing Casillas to come and collect. One goal for Copenhagen would certainly hand them confidence. However, Madrid continue to look a threat each time they press players forward.
Half-chance for the away side on the counter as Benzema slips a pass towards Ronaldo, but the Portuguese had just moved into an offside position at the vital moment. Copenhagen break down the other end with Delaney, but once more his cross is straight into the arms of Casillas. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining in this Champions League contest in Denmark.
Another half-chance for Madrid as Marcelo delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but Isco cannot make contact under pressure from Mellberg. The resulting corner is taken by Isco and poked home by Benzema, but the Frenchman had been in an offside position. That would have certainly ended this game as a contest.
Good pressure from Copenhagen in the last couple of moments as the home side continue to deliver a series of high balls into the Madrid box, but it just has not fallen for a white shirt at the vital moment. Still no movement on either bench with 65 minutes on the clock. Madrid lead 2-0 courtesy of goals from Modric and Ronaldo.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Madrid more than happy to keep possession in their own half. The home side are carrying a threat, but they are yet to really test Casillas in the second period. Ronaldo attempts to thread a pass towards Bale moments later, but the Welshman cannot gather.
Madrid make their first change of the match as Di Maria replacing Isco, who has struggled to influence proceedings in the second period. The Argentine has been linked with a move to Monaco in the January window, but such talk has been denied this week. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining. Madrid are so comfortable it is untrue.
Half-chance for Delaney as the Copenhagen midfielder spins in the box before striking one towards goal, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Delaney is again involved moments later as he drives a high cross into the box, but Casillas gathers. Much better from the Danish outfit.
Real chance for Madrid on the counter as Benzema leads a three-on-two situation. The Frenchman finds Ronaldo, but for once the forward loses possession inside the box at the vital moment. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Vetokele strikes one goal-wards down the other end, but Nacho makes a fine block.
POST! Ronaldo comes close to scoring his second as Di Maria finds the Portuguese inside the box, but he can only curl his effort against the post. Wonderful skill from the former Manchester United forward. You would not bet against Ronaldo completing his brace in the final 15 minutes or so.
Madrid make their second change of the match as Illarramendi replaces Alonso for the final 10 minutes or so. It has been another calm, composed performance from the Spanish international. Copenhagen also make their second change with Bolanos replaced by Pourie.
Vetokele remains the main threat for the home side as the Belgian meets a deep cross from Delaney, but Casillas comes out to collect at the vital moment. Copenhagen's impressive period continues as Gislason drives past Marcelo before cutting a cross towards Pourie, but the danger is cleared by Pepe.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bale to open his tally for the evening as the Welshman meets a cross from Marcelo, but his header is wide of the post. Moments later, Madrid are forced into their third change with Casemiro replacing the injured Modric.
CHANCE! It's wonderful work from Di Maria as the Argentine bursts into the box before clipping a cross towards Ronaldo, but Jacobsen just manages to clear at the vital moment. Copenhagen have tried their best in the second period, but they have been outclassed by a slick Madrid side.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Madrid are in total control of the possession. Just a reminder that Group B's other fixture between Galatasaray and Juventus had to be abandoned in the first period due to snow. That match will decide who finishes second behind Real Madrid.
Madrid are not finished as they continue to commit four players in attack with the pace of Bale, Ronaldo and Di Maria causing all sorts of problems. However, there has been some wasteful finishing. This loss also means that Copenhagen will finish bottom of Group B, but they have not been embarrassed.
PENALTY TO REAL MADRID!
Real Madrid are awarded a penalty as Delaney fells Ronaldo inside the box. Can the Portuguese complete his brace?
SAVE! Wiland keeps Ronaldo's effort out! How often do you see that?
The home supporters certainly enjoyed that miss from Ronaldo. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Copenhagen threaten with a high cross into the box, but the move breaks down when Casillas comes to claim.
FULL-TIME: Copenhagen 0-2 Real Madrid
So there we have it. Madrid end their Group B campaign with a 2-0 win over Copenhagen, who exit the competition this evening. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us tomorrow for more Champions League football. Until then!
