Copenhagen pedigree wins it

FC Copenhagen demonstrated their European pedigree with an opening victory in Europa League Group E against Molde.

FC Copenhagen demonstrated their European pedigree with an opening victory in Europa League Group E against Molde. FCK have qualified for the group stage of a European competition for the last seven years and only narrowly missed out on a place in the Champions League this season after losing in extra-time to Lille in the play-offs. And they got off to a winning start tonight with a home success against Norwegian champions Molde, who are managed by former Manchester United star Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Domingues Claudemir opened the scoring for the home side in the 20th minute but Pape Diouf equalised for the visitors on the stroke of half-time. FCK had a goal disallowed shortly before the hour mark but scored the winner through Andreas Cornelius in the 74th minute. Cornelius had earlier twice threatened in the early stages, first with a header over and then with a shot saved by Espen Pettersen, before FCK took the lead. Defender Lars Jacobsen got forward well and produced a dangerous low cross into the box which was only cleared as far as Claudemir on the edge of the area. The midfielder controlled the ball before curling it beyond Pettersen into the bottom corner, although the visitors were furious that Cesar Santin appeared to be in an offside position after being shoved almost into the net earlier in the move. The goal was allowed to stand but Molde got back on level terms just seconds before the half-time whistle when Diouf was left with a simple finish from six yards after a cross from Martin Linnes. FCK thought they had gone back in front when Martin Vingaard slotted home in the 59th minute. Ragnar Sigurdsson's initial shot was turned round the post by Pettersen and Vingaard was caught offside from the resulting corner before firing home left-footed. However, 15 minutes later the home side did take the lead once more as Cornelius turned the ball home from close range after good work from Igor Vetokele down the right. Diouf had a late chance to snatch an equaliser for Molde but his left-footed shot was saved by Kim Christensen as FCK deservedly claimed the win.