Despite playing with a man advantage for over an hour, Napoli concede late as McTominay’s opener is canceled out by Larsson in the Champions League.
Napoli let a crucial Champions League opportunity slip away in Copenhagen, settling for a frustrating 1-1 draw after failing to capitalize on their numerical superiority. Antonio Conte’s side appeared in control after taking the lead and playing against ten men from the 35th minute, but a costly lapse in the second half allowed FC Copenhagen to snatch a valuable point.
Napoli started with confidence, controlling possession and finding space between the lines through a lively Vergara on his first Champions League start. Chances fell to Højlund and Di Lorenzo, but the breakthrough came after a key turning point in the match. Thomas Delaney was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Lobotka following a VAR review, leaving the Danish champions a man down.
Just minutes later, Napoli took advantage. From a corner delivered by Elmas, Scott McTominay rose highest and headed past Kotarski, punishing a lapse in Copenhagen’s central defense and giving the Azzurri a deserved lead before halftime.
Instead of pushing on after the break, Napoli dropped intensity and allowed Copenhagen back into the contest. The hosts were rewarded in the 72nd minute when Buongiorno clumsily brought down Elyounoussi in the box. Larsson’s penalty was brilliantly saved by Milinković-Savić, but the midfielder reacted quickest to the rebound and tucked away the equalizer.
Conte responded by throwing on attacking options, including Lang, Lucca and Ambrosino, creating a late siege on the Copenhagen goal. Kotarski denied Olivera with a spectacular save, while Lucca squandered a golden chance from close range in stoppage time, firing wide and sealing Napoli’s regrets.
The draw complicates Napoli’s path toward the Champions League playoffs, forcing them into a must-win situation in their final group match against Chelsea.
Match Report
Copenhagen 1-1 Napoli
Goals:
39’ McTominay (Napoli)
72’ Larsson (Copenhagen)
FC Copenhagen (4-4-2):
Kotarski; Meling (Garananga 81’), Gabriel Pereira, Suzuki, Lopez; Elyounoussi, Madsen (Claesson 81’), Delaney, Achouri (Larsson 63’); Dadason (Hatzidiakos 36’), Cornelius (Clem 63’).
Coach: Neestrup
Napoli (3-4-2-1):
Milinković-Savić; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Juan Jesus; Gutiérrez (Ambrosino 76’), Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola (Olivera 63’); Vergara (Lang 63’), Elmas (Lucca 80’); Højlund.
Coach: Conte
Referee: Peljto (Bosnia)
Yellow cards: Højlund, Di Lorenzo (Napoli); Elyounoussi, Clem (Copenhagen)
Red cards: Delaney (Copenhagen, 35’)
Note: Larsson penalty saved by Milinković-Savić at 72’
