FC Copenhagen faces Basel on Wednesday evening in a crucial match that could secure their place in the Champions League. The match follows a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Switzerland.

Head coach Jacob Neestrup is tempering expectations, highlighting the challenges Danish champions face in navigating multiple qualifying rounds. He emphasizes the need for Danish football to prioritize coefficient points to improve the chances of Danish teams reaching the Champions League.

Neestrup pointed out the disparity between FCK’s situation and that of clubs in other countries, such as the Norwegian champions, who face fewer qualifying matches. He stressed that Danish teams often have a longer and more difficult path to the Champions League compared to their counterparts.

He cited the 2019 defeat against Red Star as an example of how easily things can go wrong in the early qualifying rounds. He argued that such setbacks are inevitable when a Danish champion has to overcome three opponents to qualify.

Neestrup reiterated the importance of coefficient points for Danish clubs, which would enable them to have more teams in Europe and enter qualifications later in the process.

He also questioned the expectation that FCK should consistently qualify for the Champions League, given the numerous hurdles they face. He raised the possibility of a loss due to Basel’s strength or simply bad luck.

FC Copenhagen’s match against Basel at Parken is scheduled to begin at 9 PM.