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FC Copenhagen
Champions League: The knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League always throws up the odd mismatch and FC Copenhagen's heroics have ensured this season is no different
Robert Forsaith
While pundits are queuing up to offer differing opinions on which European powerhouse will claim this year's Champions League title, the club with the least number of backers and bandwagoners is undoubtedly FC Copenhagen. Of all the underdogs and rank outsiders left in the final 16, the Danish side is considered the least likely to claim the silverware. Some bookmakers are offering odds of over 200/1.
You could have written your own ticket six months ago, when even the Danish press were doubtful of Copenhagen's chances of qualifying for the Champions League (let alone the round of 16). It is hard to fathom the scepticism now. The side's stunning form, its ability to perform in high-pressure situations, and miserly defence have all been worthy of some praise.
The Lions bustled into the knockout stage with three wins and two respectable performances against FC Barcelona. They travelled to Camp Nou and were not disgraced in a 2-0 loss and managed to fight back from a goal down to claim a 1-1 draw at home. Considering the immense difference in the two club's net worth (and indeed playing stocks), this was an achievement of some note.
Copenhagen then made history when they became the first Danish club to qualify for the round of 16 with a 3-1 win over Panathinaikos FC on December 7. The unprecedented success was appropriately celebrated by fans and players alike.
33-year-old Jesper Grønkjær, an experienced midfielder who scored a cracking goal for Chelsea in the 2004 semi-final and is no stranger to top-tier football, summarised the situation well.
"We qualified for the Champions League, which in reality is a really big achievement for a Danish team. Now we've qualified for the last 16," Grønkjær said after the 3-1 victory against Panathinaikos.
"When you're playing for teams like Chelsea, Real Madrid or Barcelona - it's expected each time that you're going to win the group and win the Champions League."
"We're not in that kind of situation and we also have to remember, we're playing on a much lower budget...but we've actually developed into quite a good team I think."
The big question is what happens next.
While pundits are queuing up to offer differing opinions on which European powerhouse will claim this year's Champions League title, the club with the least number of backers and bandwagoners is undoubtedly FC Copenhagen. Of all the underdogs and rank outsiders left in the final 16, the Danish side is considered the least likely to claim the silverware. Some bookmakers are offering odds of over 200/1.
It is my belief the club has forged more of an international identity in just a handful of matches.
Over the past few years, FC Copenhagen has towered above rivals in the local competition - claiming six of the last eight Superliga titles on offer. Outsiders have largely dismissed the achievement, describing it as a minor league.
In the past few months however, they have risen to another level. Competitive against Barcelona and dominant against Panathinaikos, the side was playing polished football that would not look out of place in some of the best leagues in the world.
Unfortunately for Copenhagen's supporters, the Champions League is rarely the place of fairytales.
The club will host Chelsea on February 22 and the odds will once again be stacked against them. Aside from the obvious difficulties involved with tackling a club like Chelsea, Copenhagen will have to also overcome a less than ideal preparation.
The harsh Nordic winter means it is currently the off-season of the Superliga, with Copenhagen's last competitive hit-out being the 3-1 victory over Panathinaikos - a match that took place over two months ago.
To fill the void, coach Stale Solbakken organised a training camp in Spain and the side has since been playing a series of friendlies against teams from the region. This will culminate on Tuesday with a clash against Norwegian giants Rosenborg BK.
Solbakken has done well and the games will be useful, but it's hard to make comparisons with the rigours of the English Premier League.
So Copenhagen's squad will be refreshed, but lacking in match fitness compared to their counterparts. The club's playing stocks have also taken a hit, with Icelandic defender Sölvi Ottesen ruled out of the clash due to a bulging disk in his back.
Nonetheless, Solbakken had his charges playing a spirited brand of football prior to the Christmas break. If they continue that sort of form and Chelsea wanders into the clash with the slightest hint of complacency, the fixture will be a livelier affair than what the masses are expecting.
Copenhagen has crafted the perfect platform to show the European football community just what the Danish league is capable of producing. Fernando Torres' move to Chelsea has guaranteed heightened interest in the match. A victory for the Lions is unthinkable, but another spirited performance should turn some more heads.
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