Photo: Sportsagency.dk
It was back to Jutland for Ståle Solbakken’s side for the second weekend in a row as FCK faced Aalborg, determined to return to winning ways after their first defeat of the domestic season in Herning last Sunday.
by Joe Short
Considering the team are to play Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League next week, Solbakken opted to change his line-up from the one that faced Midtjylland, with Jos Hooiveld replacing Mathias Zanka at centre back. César Santin was rested, giving way to Martin Vingaard, who played on the left wing while Jesper Grønkjær took up his role as strike partner to Dame N’Doye.
The match was delayed for a few minutes as stewards hurried to clear ticker-tape off the pitch that had swamped the AaB goalmouth, being fired from the stands as both sides entered the field. Even when the game kicked off, both sides played as though they were still waiting for the referee’s whistle, moving the ball around with lethargy.
Indeed, a mistimed volley from Jeppe Curth was the only real chance of the opening minutes. Numerous players were slipping and sliding across the wet surface, making control of the ball difficult, while the majority of build-up play from both teams fell apart under stray passing.
N’Doye gets stuck in
For the first 20 minutes FCK were forced to rely on long throw-ins to provide any sort of attacking threat. AaB appeared happy to soak up the Lions pressure and try to hit on the break; but the most notable goalmouth opportunities came from Grønkjær, who twice cut inside to shoot low at goal – twice dragging wide.
Maybe it was impatience, but in the 23rd minute N’Doye picked up a yellow card for what can only be described as a striker’s tackle. Lasse Nielsen cleared the ball down the line, a split second before N’Doye slid in to clip the defender’s heels. Although unintentional, referee Anders Hermansen rightly booked N’Doye for the reckless challenge.
It was for AaB striker Curth to provide the next bit of non-goalmouth entertainment. The front man chased Hooiveld after a long ball but suddenly pulled up short, level with the FCK penalty area. Whatever he had done, it looked painful, as Curth clutched his left leg. Action replays suggest a badly pulled hamstring was to blame, and Curth was immediately put on a stretcher and substituted.
Antonsson subbed before half time
Finally on 34 minutes Copenhagen created some real goalmouth action. N’Doye fought for his right to the ball down the left wing, cut inside, and fired an effort at goal that deflected off Kjetil Wæhler, almost looping into the far corner. At the other end, Johan Wiland got a shin in the teeth after collecting a dangerous cross from the AaB right. The keeper needed a couple of minutes to recover from the injury, and most importantly prevented Morten Rasmussen from sneaking in before him.
Minutes before half time and Solbakken called up Thomas Kristensen from the bench. The midfielder replaced Mikael Antonsson, who appeared to be struggling with injury. William Kvist moved to a rather unfamiliar centre back roll to maintain the 4-4-2 formation.
The second half started as slowly as the first, with only a bobbling N’Doye effort any trouble for AaB keeper Karin Zaza. At the other end, Wiland can count himself lucky Mathias Wichmann didn’t make more of a golden chance, when the goalkeeper flapped at a cross and left Wichmann in space to control and volley. The shot spooned out for a throw-in however, and FCK could breathe easy once again.
Bolaños scores from tight angle
Just after the hour mark Christian Bolaños spread play wide to Grønkjær, who’s fierce, low shot was well tipped round the near post by Zaza. Claudemir also had an opportunity from a cross, but his header fell straight at Zaza’s feet. Copenhagen were beginning to knock on the AaB door however.
Finally, in the 76th minute, the breakthrough came. Bolaños began and finished a quick counter attack in emphatic style. The Costa Rican gave N’Doye the ball – who kept his head and played back to his teammate – who had taken up a position in the AaB box with his back to goal. Bolaños showed quick feet to turn left and shoot low from a difficult angle. Neither goalkeeper nor defender could prevent the ball crossing the line: the Copenhagen faithful behind the net filling the stadium with the sound of joy and relief.
Aalborg were not dead and buried however. Three minutes after the goal, Anders Due thundered a shot off Wiland’s crossbar from long range, shaking the FCK nerves. Indeed, Solbakken – who had brought Kenneth Zohore on before the goal – changed the Lions formation to 5-4-1. Who should take up that fifth central defender’s role: none other than N’Doye. The talisman of the FCK attack was superb in defence, proving his versatility for the final five minutes of the game.
The 1-0 win draws to an end Copenhagen’s two-game losing streak, and extends their lead at the top of the Superliga table to 21 points. The team fly to London on Tuesday in preparation for their match against Chelsea, before the return of the New Firm next Sunday, as Brøndby visit PARKEN.
AALBORG BK: 0 FC COPENHAGEN: 1
Aalborg BK: Zaza (GK), Bøgelund, Nielsen, Wæhler, Lumb, Chanko, Würtz, Augustinussen, Wichmann, Curth, Rasmussen.
FC Copenhagen: Wiland, Pospech, Antonsson, Hooiveld, Bengtsson, Bolaños, Claudemir, Kvist (C), Vingaard, Grønkjær, N'Doye.
Referee: Anders Hermansen.
Goals: Bolaños (76’).
