Derby triumph sweet for København

By Jan Juhlin

IFK Göteborg and FC København are through to the Royal League second group stage, with the Danish champions progressing thanks to a derby win that eliminated rivals Brøndby IF.

København joy
Unbeaten København's 2-0 victory at Brøndby ensured they secured a top-two place in Group B, a point behind Göteborg who drew with Norway's Tromsø IL. Two goals by Martin Silberbauer gave København a deserved victory in their derby, while although Göteborg also had the better of their game, Stefan Selakovic's 29th-minute goal was cancelled out by Ole Martin Årst two minutes before half-time. København meet Göteborg next week to determine the winner of the group when the round ends on Thursday.

Esbjerg hope
In Group A, Vålerenga IF had already secured their passage to the final group stage but that did not hinder them from beating Norwegian compatriots Rosenborg BK 1-0 to keep up the competition's only remaining 100 per cent record. Freddy Dos Santos scored the winner from the penalty spot for the visitors. Denmark's Esbjerg fB, meanwhile kept their hopes alive by defeating bottom side Djurgårdens IF 1-0 courtesy of a Hans Henrik Andersen goal in the 66th minute. Esbjerg now need a result in their final match at Vålerenga, who remain top with five wins out of five. Rosenborg are one point ahead of Esbjerg and visit eliminated Djurgården.

Australian double
SK Brann beat Odense BK 2-1 in the only game in Group C this evening with Australian striker Dylan McAllister scoring on three and 30 minutes. Chris Sørensen gave OB hope as he scored from a free-kick after Brann's Olafur Bjarnaons had been dismissed, but despite late chances they are now out. The victory took Brann to the top of the group on nine points with Malmö FF set to play Swedish counterparts Halmstads BK on Saturday in their postponed game. Halmstad are currently second on seven points with Malmö one more point behind.