The last game of the Champions League group stage for FC Barcelona will be played with the visit of FC Copenhagen to Barcelona on January 28, 2026, at 9:00 PM. The Danish champions will arrive in Barcelona for the eighth matchday, eager to see what is at stake for both teams, but certainly with a fun and dynamic style under the guidance of a young coach making waves in local football.
The Opponent
To understand what Copenhagen might face against Flick’s Barça, we must first talk about their counterpart on the other bench, Jacob Neestrup. The most significant figure in their sports project is their coach, who at only 37 years old has already made a name for himself in guiding a team that constantly faces high expectations in local football. After retiring as a player at 23 due to injuries, Neestrup transitioned into coaching at the club’s youth level and quickly climbed the ranks.
Having been an assistant coach in two stints, with a brief stop at Viborg, Neestrup took over at Copenhagen in the 2022/23 season. In three seasons, he has won two league titles and two cup competitions, leaving his mark not only on the team’s playing style but also on the club’s ethos. His deep knowledge of the youth system, where he originated, has allowed him to give opportunities to young talents without hesitation.
One standout player under Neestrup has been Roony Bardghji, who shined under his mentorship before moving to Barcelona. Copenhagen, playing in the Champions League final phase for the seventh time in their history after a year’s absence, had to navigate a challenging path, including victories over Drita, Malmö, and Basel in the qualifying rounds.
Players to Watch
Copenhagen’s squad for the Champions League boasts players from 15 different nationalities, creating a diverse and intriguing team dynamic. With new signings like Kotarski in goal, Gabriel Pereira in defense, and exciting talents like Clem and Yoram Zague, the team is a mix of experience and youth.
In midfield, Lerager and Delaney provide experience, while youngsters like Clem add balance. Unfortunately, the team suffered a major blow with Magnus Mattsson’s season-ending injury. In attack, Elyounoussi and Claesson lead the line, supported by Larsson, Robert, and the prolific Cornelius. The recent addition of Moukoko from Dortmund adds more firepower to their frontline.
Previous Encounters
The upcoming match will mark the third meeting between Barcelona and Copenhagen. Their previous encounters in the 2010/11 Champions League group stage saw Barça win 2-0 at home and draw 1-1 away. This will be Barcelona’s thirteenth match against a Danish team, with a history that includes clashes with various Danish clubs in European competitions.
History
FC Copenhagen, formed in 1992 from the merger of two Copenhagen clubs, has evolved into a modern powerhouse. After initial success in the league, the club struggled before embarking on a dominant run. Their Champions League journey began in 2006/07, and they have continued to make strides in European competitions, aiming for success in the new format.
The rich history and promising future of FC Copenhagen make them a formidable opponent for FC Barcelona in the upcoming Champions League encounter.