Copenhagen go into their Europa League first qualifying round second leg fixture with Finland's KuPS with a narrow 1-0 lead. The Danish side took its time to break down KuPS away from home a week ago.
Copenhagen won with a 75th minute goal from Skov Robert to eke out the victory. Now at home in the Parken Stadium, Copenhagen can finish off KuPS in front of their home support. Copenhagen have been installed as massive favourites according to sportsbooks around the globe.
Jani Honkavaara's KuPS have taken a short break from Finnish league play. The team will resume domestic action following the second leg with Copenhagen. The time off could give Honkavaara and his players enough time to recover and build towards victory on Thursday night. Copenhagen started their domestic league campaign this week losing on Monday night to Horsens, 2-1. It wasn't an ideal way to start the Superliga, but Stale Solbakken's players will have had one eye on the Europa League.
Copenhagen could face fatigue on Thursday night. They have only had two days to recover from their 2-1 loss to Horsens. Meanwhile KuPS will have spent seven days recouping.
Although Solbakken's Copenhagen took their time to find the winner in the first leg, they were the better team throughout the game. KuPS played very defensively, which worked for much of the fixture. However, Copenhagen finally broke the deadlock thanks to Robert's low drive into the back of the net from 18-yards out.
KuPS's failure to score in the first league was the second time in their last four matches without a goal. Despite not finding the back of the net against Copenhagen, KuPS has tallied the second most goals in Finland's Veikkausliiga. The team's form in front of goal is in stark contrast to its league position. KuPS are currently fifth in the domestic league. Honkavaara's team has been inconsistent to say the least after last year's second-place end to the season.
The Finnish club will have a difficult task on its hands Thursday night. Solbakken's team will want to continue its battle into the Europa League proper. Copenhagen played in the group stage last season and are a regular in European competition. Despite Monday's shock loss to Horsens, Copenhagen will be able to overcome KuPS in the second leg. The Danish club will face off with either Iceland's Stjarnan or Estonia's Nomme Kalju once they defeat KuPS in the first qualifying round.