Contents
- Competition: UEFA Champions League - Second Round 1st leg
- Date: Tuesday, 22nd, July 2025
- Kickoff: 18:00 UK / 19:00 CEST
- Venue: Parken Stadium (Copenhagen)
FC Copenhagen kicks off their European campaign by hosting Drita from Kosovo at Parken Stadium in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round on Tuesday.
Loverne from the Danish capital kicked off their 2025-26 campaign and title defense in style by grinding out a hard-fought 3-2 victory over resilient Viborg on the road in matchday one, building solid momentum ahead of their European challenge.
Unlike their counterparts, Drita made it clear they mean business in their pursuit of a place among Europe’s elite, as the Kosovan title holders brushed aside Differdange over two legs to claim a well-earned 4-2 triumph in the first phase of qualification.
FC Copenhagen vs Drita Betting Tips : AH1 (-1.5)
These two sides have never locked horns before, but given the massive gulf in quality, experience and squad depth, not to mention the home turf advantage, FC Copenhagen enter this European showdown as overwhelming favourites and the outcome of the first leg should hardly be in doubt. Not only do the Danish heavyweights boast superior individual quality across all areas of the pitch, but their regular involvement in European competitions also grants them the tactical discipline and mental resilience required for occasions like this, where they will look to wrap things up as early as the first leg. Drita may have shown grit and organization during the opening qualifying round, but facing a heavyweight like FC Copenhagen is an entirely different ball game compared to battling Differdange, and this step up in class could prove to be a bridge too far for the Kosovan outfit. In the end, we are backing Jacob Neestrup’s men to approach the task with professionalism and minimal resistance, which could all but settle the tie before the second leg, as the Lions from the Danish capital are expected to roar their way to a commanding victory.
FC Copenhagen team news
Backup goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson is nearing a return to action after recovering from a broken hand, while Japanese centre-back Junnosuke Suzuki remains sidelined with an injury.
All credit for FC Copenhagen’s dramatic 3-2 opening-day win goes to Magnus Mattsson, who scored a penalty just three minutes after coming off the bench, and is now pushing for a starting role.
Last matches of FC Copenhagen
-
Viborg
2 : 3
FC Copenhagen
Superliga
-
FC Copenhagen
1 : 1
Fredericia
Club Friendlies
-
FC Copenhagen
3 : 0
Silkeborg IF
Landspokal Cup
-
FC Copenhagen
3 : 0
Nordsjaelland
Superliga
-
FC Copenhagen
1 : 0
Viborg
Landspokal Cup
FC Copenhagen lineup
Goalkeeper
-
42
Dominik Kotarski
Defenders
-
15
Marcos López
-
6
Pantelis Hatzidiakos
-
5
Gabriel Pereira
-
13
Rodrigo Huescas
Midfielders
-
30
Elias Achouri
-
17
Victor Froholdt
-
27
Thomas Delaney
-
11
Jordan Larsson
Forwards
-
9
Youssoufa Moukoko
-
10
Mohamed Elyounoussi
Drita team news
Arb Manaj, who netted twice in his side’s thrilling 3-2 win over Differdange, remains a key attacking threat and is expected to start against FC Copenhagen.
With no reported injuries or suspensions ahead of Tuesday’s European clash, head coach Zekirija Ramadani is expected to stick with the trusted lineup that overcame the Luxembourg challenge.
Last matches of Drita
-
Differdange 03
2 : 3
Drita
Champions League
-
Drita
1 : 0
Differdange 03
Champions League
-
Drita
4 : 1
KF Feronikeli
Superliga
-
SC Gjilani
0 : 0
Drita
Superliga
-
Drita
0 : 1
Dukagjini
Superliga
Drita lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Faton Maloku
Defenders
-
26
Raddy Ovouka
-
5
Juan Camilo Mesa
-
15
Egzon Bejtulai
-
2
Besnik Krasniqi
Midfielders
-
4
Rron Broja
-
14
Albert Dabiqaj
-
7
Almir Ajzeraj
-
19
Blerim Krasniqi
-
10
Liridon Balaj
Forwards
-
9
Arb Manaj
3 Reasons why we expect AH1 (-1.5)
- FC Copenhagen are regular participants in UEFA competitions.
- With an aggregate 4-2 victory over Differdange, Drita have qualified for the second round of Champions League qualifiers for the first time ever.
- The gap in quality and European experience between these two sides is enormous.
Main prediction FC Copenhagen - Drita
AH1 (-1.5)
Best Odds: