Surprise, Copenhagen To The Last 16 Of The Champions League, Galatasaray To The Europa League

Copenhagen players celebrate the goal of Lukas Leager (front) in the match against Galatasaray. Copenhagen qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League. (Twitter @ChampionsLeague)

JAKARTA - Copenhagen made a surprise after qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League. Certainty was achieved after Copenhagen narrowly won 1-0 over Galatasaray at Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Wednesday, December 13 in the morning WIB. Galatasaray itself went to the Europa League.

Copenhagen is a dark horse that forces the seeded teams to bite their fingers. Especially Manchester United, which is predicted by Bayern Munich to qualify for the knockout round. Or at least Galatasaray can make a surprise.

However, Copenhagen was the one who managed to do it by accompanying Bayern. The German Bundesliga giant already got tickets to the last 16.

Copenhagen made sure to qualify after winning the final match which was the decision. Yes, the winner of the match will qualify for the next round.

Even though he is ahead of Galatasaray, Copenhagen cannot aim for a draw because there is still MU against Bayern. If it is a draw and MU wins, then the Red Devils will qualify.

It's just that the scenario in the final match is indeed the hope of Copenhagen. This Danish club not only won but MU also lost.

Victory over Galatasaray put Copenhagen in second place with eight points. They accompanied Bayern to the knockout round.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray, who is in third place with point five, gets a Europa League quota.

In a match that was held at home, Copenhagen took advantage of support from supporters to suppress opponents. The hosts appear confident because in the first duel at Galatasaray, they were able to hold their opponents 2-2.

Copenhagen had its first chance when defender Peter Ankersen penetrated the penalty box. However, Ankersen's shot was still wide.

Furthermore, the hosts hope to get a penalty when winger Elias Achouri is like being dropped in a box.

However, referee Daniele Orsato allowed the incident despite protests from Copenhagen players. The score was still 0-0 when the first half was over.

In the second half, Copenhagen tried to increase attacks. Their efforts immediately gave results when Lukas Leager was able to break into the opponent's goal in the 58th minute.

He was able to take advantage of Achouri's pass and complete it by kick from close range. Copenhagen also won 1-0.

Galatasaray tried to get up. At least, midfielder Kerem Akturkoglu got two chances. But both failed to give a result because his shot was still soaring.

Unfortunately for Leager who scored for the team. He was then expelled after receiving a second yellow card and followed by a red card for violating Akturkoglu in the 90th minute.

With that red card, Leager was absent in the first match of the Champions League knockout round. However, he said he was happy to be able to bring Copenhagen through.

"It's a shame I got a red card towards the end of the game. But right now I don't know what to think. It's really amazing because we were able to qualify," Leager said. It was the only goal from him in that match that finally passed Copenhagen.