Match report: Copenhagen (A)

Kilmarnock head home from Denmark two goals down after defending so resolutely for 77 minutes.

Killie were hoping to bring the tie back to Ayrshire level, but a VAR check that awarded a penalty and a last second strike leaves them with an uphill battle at Rugby Park next week.

Chances were at a premium in the opening period, with the first shot coming after 20 minutes when Denis Vavro fired a speculative effort from distance which was well saved by Kieran O’Hara.

Liam Donnelly had a pop in the 35^th minute after positive play, his shot was deflected out for a corner though.

Copenhagen had a fantastic chance as they countered from that corner, Giorgi Gocholeishvili looked certain to fire a shot away from the break, but Lewis Mayo stood tall to put in a crucial challenge.

Nathan Trott was called into action as he was forced to save a Brad Lyons header which Marley Watkins was desperate to get on the end of.

Mohamed Elyounoussi made a burst at goal just after the second half kicked off, he fired a low shot on target but O’Hara had no issues clutching it in.

VAR intervened in the 77^th minute as the hosts were awarded a penalty, it was converted by Kevin Diks to give Copenhagen a 1-0 lead.

Killie were then dealt a sucker blow as Rasmus Falk fired home with the last kick of the ball to double their lead.

Score: Copenhagen 2-0 Kilmarnock

Team: O’Hara, Burroughs (Armstrong 72), Mayo, Wright (Deas 65), Findlay, Lyons, Watson, Donnelly, Kennedy (Bainbridge 72), Watkins (Cameron 87), Vassell (Wales 72)