Lions roar back to beat FCN and end 2024 top of Superliga
Jacob Neestrup says his F.C. Copenhagen players deserved their three points earned against FC Nordsjælland tonight following a late comeback that secured a 3-1 win and top place in the Danish Superliga over Christmas.
Robert Silva equalised forte Lions before the break with a delightful finish after former FCK defender Peter Ankersen had given the visitors an early lead.
Thomas Delaney fired home FCK's second nine minutes from full time, before Mohamed Elyounoussi wrapped up the points.
You can watch the highlights at tv.fck.dk.
"I'm deeply impressed that the players found the strength and energy to turn the game around in the second half through strong spirit and great fight… more than through beautiful, technical play," says Neestrup.
"All the substitutes put in an excellent effort and helped win the game, and the forwards also helped make a difference with their qualities. We had to dig deep to turn it around, but I think in the second half we created enough chances and showed enough efficiency that we can justify the victory on that account."
The win means FCK sit top of the Danish Superliga heading into the winter break, level on points with FC Midtjylland.
"This is the first time this year that I have the feeling that we're winning games without necessarily being the best team over 90 minutes, because we were not that today. I really have to acknowledge the level that Nordsjælland came here with today, and which we had a lot of difficulty solving in the first half. You can only have respect for that," adds Neestrup.
"So of course we talked at half-time about how we were going to come back, but it helped a little that Robert scored to make it 1-1 just before the break, because it meant we could go out with the incentive to win the game.
"We are happy that we are now top over the winter break in the Superliga, especially after everything we have been through in the autumn. It's not over yet because we still have four games left. We still have to be 100% ready for the two cup quarter-finals against Kolding, so that we can advance and win the cup, and we also have two games against Hearts and Rapid Wien to ensure we play in Europe after the New Year."