Danish Superliga Review: Lucky FC Midtjylland Close in on Vulnerable FC Copenhagen

FC Midtjylland, the Danish champions, emerged as the key victors this weekend by narrowing the gap to FC Copenhagen by two points, thanks to a dramatic late win over FC Nordsjaelland, while their rivals were held to a scoreless draw in Aalborg. Vejle faced a harsh dose of reality against Viborg, while Silkeborg maintained their aspirations for a top-six finish with a solid victory in Haderslev.

The home side, FC Midtjylland, boosted their campaign to defend the Danish title with a hard-earned and somewhat lucky 2-1 triumph against FC Nordsjaelland. The visitors squandered several opportunities in the dying moments, which could have shifted the match in their favour.

After Aral Simsir hit the crossbar at the close of the first half, Franculino, who replaced Adam Buksa at half-time, gave FC Midtjylland the lead with a clever finish just nine minutes into the second half.

FC Nordsjaelland found an equaliser around 15 minutes from time, as Benjamin Nygren scored from a rebound after Elias Olafsson denied Sindre Egeli’s attempt. However, in the dying moments of injury time, Pedro Bravo clinched a 2-1 victory for FC Midtjylland with a fortunate strike that deceived goalkeeper Andreas Hansen.

Following a promising restart to the Danish Superliga after a change in coaching and ownership, Vejle hit a stumbling block, suffering a 3-1 loss to Viborg which dashed their dreams of climbing out of the relegation zone.

Vejle had showcased improved defensive performances in their last two matches, but they reverted to their old ways against Viborg, conceding three goals before half-time from Renato Junior, Justin Lonwijk, and Yonis Njoh.

After the break, Vejle pulled one back with a goal from German Onugkha shortly after the restart, and he even had a chance late in the game, but Lucas Lund made a stunning save to deny him.

Silkeborg kept their top-six ambitions alive with a 3-1 victory over struggling Sonderjyske in Haderslev, which is crucial for their playoff aspirations.

The visitors struck first, taking the lead in the 16th minute as Younes Bakiz volleyed a rebound into the back of the net. However, Sonderjyske responded well, equalising after 35 minutes through a deflected shot from Tobias Klysner that left Silkeborg goalkeeper Nicolai Larsen stranded.

Not satisfied with a point, Silkeborg pressed forward to reclaim their advantage, which they did when Callum McCowatt cut in from the left to slot the ball through the legs of Sonderjyske’s keeper Matti Olsen, making it 2-1. The icing on the cake came from Ramazan Orazov, who sealed the 3-1 victory deep into injury time.

FC Copenhagen maintained their position at the top of the Danish Superliga table, yet they will be left feeling disillusioned, having settled for a goalless draw against AaB on the road.

Following a 1-0 win over reigning champions FC Midtjylland, FC Copenhagen failed to show that they could pose a threat to Chelsea in the forthcoming Conference League clashes.

The hosts have been struggling with defensive vulnerabilities since the restart of the domestic league, and FC Copenhagen found it tough to create scoring opportunities in a first half that dwindled to a halt by the end.

Jacob Neestrup’s side was fortunate not to concede early in the second half when Mathias Jorgensen was clear on goal. After rounding the goalkeeper Diant Ramaj, however, Jorgensen could only hit the side netting with the goal at his mercy.

The visitors pushed forward towards the end of the match, coming close to scoring when Viktor Claesson had a late chance, but the match finished goalless in Aalborg.