The task at hand for both teams was simple; win and they would progress to the knockout stages of the UCL. Copenhagen also had the saving grace of knowing that a draw would also see the Danish side finish second in the group as long as Manchester United were not victorious against Bayern Munich.
It was the hosts who got off to the better start and they came within inches of opening the scoring inside 10 minutes as a well-worked move allowed fullback Peter Ankersen to break into the box but his first-time finish flashed just wide of the post.
Following the fast start and early chance for Copenhagen, both sides seemed to retreat and went into more of a cautious style of play. Galatasaray edged the possession whilst the hosts were happy to sit back and hit on the counter, but neither outfit could muster a clear cut opportunity in the remainder of the first half.
The sluggish theme continued after the break as neither side looked like wanting to take a risk with the stakes so huge. That was until the 58th minute, when Elias Achouri was released down the left flank and his square ball across the face of goal was tapped in by Lukas Lerager, following the Dane’s brave run from midfield into the box.
After falling behind, Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk turned to his bench, making a triple change, and suddenly the visitors were playing with much more urgency.
Despite time running out and playing with much more attacking endeavour, Galatasaray failed to create any dangerous opportunities as Jacob Neestrup’s Copenhagen side defended superbly, keeping their opponents at bay, and even looked the most likely to net again on the break.
The goalscorer made his side’s task a difficult one after being sent off in the 90th minute for two yellow cards in quick succession, but in the end, the one goal was enough for the Lions who progress to the UCL knockout stages.
Defeat for Galatasaray and Manchester United falling to beat Bayern Munich means that the Turkish side will drop into the UEFA Europa League in the new year.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Peter Ankersen (Copenhagen)
