FC Copenhagen defeated FC Drita 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League second-round qualifier, with Magnus Mattsson scoring two penalties after coming off the bench. The win provides a significant advantage heading into the return match in Kosovo next week.

Mattsson’s penalty heroics mirror his performance in Friday’s Superliga match against Viborg, where he also scored the winning goal from the penalty spot after being substituted into the game. His goals were crucial in overcoming a stubborn FC Drita side that initially posed problems for the Danish champions.

Prior to Mattsson’s introduction, FC Copenhagen struggled to create clear-cut chances against their aggressive opponents. Coach Jacob Neestrup made four changes to the starting lineup from the Viborg match due to player availability. Victor Froholdt was absent due to a potential transfer, Thomas Delaney was injured during warm-up, and Pantelis Hatzidiakos was sidelined due to illness. Lukas Lerager, William Clem, and Munashe Garananga were brought into the team, while Andreas Cornelius replaced Youssoufa Moukoko in attack.

The changes may have contributed to FC Copenhagen’s disjointed play in the first half. Mohamed Elyounoussi was the most threatening player, with a header saved by Drita goalkeeper Faton Maloki and a shot that hit both posts but stayed out. The first half ended goalless.

Mattsson replaced Clem in the 68th minute, changing the dynamic of the game. Soon after, Elyounoussi was fouled in the penalty area, and Mattsson converted the resulting penalty to give FC Copenhagen a 1-0 lead. Seven minutes later, Mattsson won another penalty and once again scored, securing a comfortable 2-0 victory for his team.