Copenhagen got their Champions League playoff tie against Lille off to a good start with a 1-0 win at home tonight. Cesar Santin’s goal late in the first half was enough as Copenhagen’s defense held off Lille’s attack and Johan Wiland saved a penalty.
FC Copenhagen Vs. Lille, 2012 UEFA Champions League: Copenhagen Take 1-0 Advantage to France
The first half was an interesting one highlighted by a missed PK and dreadful bit of defending that allowed the Løvernes to grabbed a 1-0 lead right before the break. Former Chelsea player Soloman Kalou earned a penalty for Lille in the 15th minute thanks to a takedown by Bryan Oviedo. Instead of grabbing a crucial away goal, Johan Wiland saved Dimitrie Payet’s PK attempt. Late in the half, Copenhagen’s captain Lars Jacobson made a straight run up the right side of the pitch, as if waiting for a Lille defender to close down the space, yet none did. He finally got close enough and placed a perfect cross in to the box that was easily headed for the goal by Cesar Santin was standing completely unmarked between two Lille defenders.
Despite Lille’s best efforts to break down the Copenhagen defense in the second half, it wasn’t to be. Copenhagen will take a 1-0 advantage on the road to the Grand Stade Lille Métropole next week. It’s a solid result for the Løvernes but their work is hardly done holding on a one goal advantage. Should be an interesting second leg.
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