FC Copenhagen made it a club record five successive home wins in European competition, as the Danish side edged past FC Iberia 1999 2-1 in the UEFA Conference League.
The Georgian’s initial positive start was dramatically extinguished with two quickfire goals, as the hosts took early control of the match when Viktor Dadason was brought down by goalkeeper Giorgi Makaridze in the box.
Despite referee Robert Hennessy initially booking the teenage striker for simulation, the Irishman reversed his decision after a VAR review and Mohamed Elyounoussi slotted home the resultant penalty.
‘Three minutes later and Maher Carrizo was the protagonist in doubling his side’s lead, as the on-loan Ajax man got on the end of a low cross from Marcos Lopez, although the final touch came from Iberia defender Vahid Selimovic who bundled the ball into his own goal.
Facing down a drubbing, the visitors received an unexpected lifeline when Asger Sorensen’s header back to his goalkeeper fell short of its target.
Goalkeeper Diant Ramaj could only punch the ball straight to Iberia striker Amiran Dzagania, who volleyed into an empty net to capitalise on Copenhagen’s slapstick defending.
Seven minutes into the second half and another defensive horror show almost resulted in an Iberia equaliser. Goalkeeper Ramaj’s hesitancy to claim a cross allowed Jean-Marc Tiboue to steal in and head home, but after another VAR review referee Robert Hennessy decided that the Frenchman had headed the ball out of Ramaj’s hands and the goal was ruled out.
Despite a noble effort by the Georgian underdogs, the home side’s quality showed in the closing stages, with Lopez and Geovanni Ndjee going close to sealing the points.
Ultimately Copenhagen cruised through the final minutes to clinch the three points that take them to seventh in the league phase, while Iberia must wait at least another three weeks to find an elusive first league phase win in Europe.