Ståle: Gothenburg clash will be close

F.C. Copenhagen manager Ståle Solbakken is predicting a tight game when the Lions face Swedish side IFK Gothenburg in the second UEFA Europa League qualifying round.

FCK were placed against IFK for the one-legged qualifier at UEFA's draw on Monday.

The match will take place on Thursday, 17 September - four days after Copenhagen's first Superliga clash of the 2020/21 season.

“Obviously, it was not the draw we had hoped for based on the possibilities that were available," Ståle said.

"But we still think we have plenty of options and need to prepare thoroughly. It will be close and exciting."

FCK have never played IFK Gothenburg in a European tournament, but the two clubs have clashed several times in the Royal League.

In 2004 the Lions won 1-0 thanks to a Hjalte Nørregaard goal after an hour of play, and the following year we won a marathon Royal League final, which ended 1-1 in regular time and was decided in a penalty shootout, which went to 13 spot-kick apiece before we could travel home with the trophy.