Copenhagen have arguably been the surprise package of the Champions League this season, and they will look to enhance their status as the competitions Davids when they meet the Goliath that is Barcelona on Tuesday evening.
A fortnight ago Stale Solbakken’s side enjoyed top spot in Group D, with wins over Rubin Kazan and Panathinaikos putting FCK into an advantageous early position. Even strong teams can go to Camp Nou and receive a hiding, but the Danish outfit were stuffy defensively and might even have scored on the counter-attack during the 2-0 reverse at the Catalan venue, a defeat made worse by a Lionel Messi strike in stoppage time.
It was a fixture not without controversy. Visiting striker Cesar Santin burst through on goal only to be stopped by what he believed to be the referee’s whistle. However, the noise had actually come from home goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto, who has since been slapped with a two match ban because of the incident. A shock equaliser was on the cards, so he will feel the punishment was worth it, especially as first choice No.1 Victor Valdes is fit again to take the Barcelona gloves.
But the Danes proved without doubt in Spain that they are a force to be reckoned with in this competition, and with the goal scoring machine that is Dame N’Doye continuing to bang them in left, right and centre, they should be treated with the utmost respect, even by a side who are arguably Europe’s finest.
Dip, What Dip?
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has said that he feels this side have been playing at a high level over the course of the season, despite statistics suggesting that the Catalans haven’t been at their explosive best. However, Barca were irresistible on Saturday evening against Sevilla at Camp Nou, running out stunning 5-0 victors against a Sevilla side handicapped by a red card to Abdoulay Konko on the stroke of half-time.
It wasn’t just the magnitude of Barcelona’s weekend win that caught the eye; it was also the style in which Guardiola’s gladiators went about dismantling very useful, though very erratic opponents. David Villa and Lionel Messi both scored braces, and the latter stated that he never doubted his side’s ability, despite their supposed blip.
“We were doing things right, winning is what matters, and we have again shown that we are still a great team,” the diminutive Argentine attacker stated to the media.
The Catalans have not been perfect in Europe, held to a draw against Rubin Kazan away from home, but they scored an impressive victory over Panathinaikos at Camp Nou, and though they laboured a little against the Danes a fortnight ago remain hot favourites to top Group D. Victory on Tuesday evening coupled with a draw between Rubin and Pana would secure their place in the last 16.
TEAM NEWS
Copenhagen
FCK have a number of issues ahead of Tuesday’s game. Top league scorer Cesar Santin is something of a doubt due to a twisted ankle, though he has been named in the squad. Martin Bergvold is definitely out with a knee problem and Hjalte Norregaard will be prevented from playing because of a knee problem.
Morten Nordstrand has overcome a long-term battle with injury to start from the bench in each of the last two league games.
Dame N’Doye is just one yellow card away from a ban.
Barcelona
Pep Guardiola’s side travel with a squad of 19, including the fit-again Gabriel Milito. Second string goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto is banned, so Ruben travels as Victor Valdes’ back-up.
Prediction
The fact that Barcelona were back at their very best at the weekend is ominous for Copenhagen. Nevertheless, the Danes have already shown that they are a robust unit who won’t easily be bested. Expect the home side to sit in and hit their guests on the break, but don’t expect them to have enough power to get by one of the competition favourites, who will probably win by a couple
Copenhagen 0-2 Barcelona 
