Göteborg stride clear in group

By Jan Juhlin

IFK Göteborg are within a point of reaching the first Royal League final after defeating Vålerenga IF 2-1 tonight, while sole Danish survivors FC København revived their second group stage chances with a 1-0 win at Rosenborg BK.

Ijeh arrival
On a rainy night in the Nya Ullevi stadium, Göteborg were hoping to extend their two-point lead in Group 2 over their visitors - whose task was made harder when Kjetil Waehler was sent off after just 17 minutes. The rest of the first half was quiet, but after the break Göteborg brought on Peter Ijeh, recovered from injury, and were transformed.

Goal apiece
An hour in, George Mourad struck with a powerful free-kick, but as the home team dominated they were caught out by a sucker punch. A cross found David Brocken at the far post, and his header hit Sebastian Johansson and deflected into the net.

Selakovic winner
However, Göteborg were not put off their stride and ten minutes from time former SC Heerenveen player Stefan Selakovic played a fine one-two with Håkan Mild and struck what proved the winner. Minutes later Niclas Alexandersson could have extended the lead, but hit the upright.

Second-half improvement
Göteborg coach Arne Erlandsen said: "Our first half was dreadful. We had one man more but we didn't have good enough tempo and the movement was very bad. The second half on the other hand was much better."

Vålerenga out
Vålerenga cannot now top the group and reach the final, and could confirm Göteborg's progress by avoiding defeat at home to SK Brann in their last match in two week's time. If Brann prevail, they will then need to beat Göteborg on 12 May and hope that they have made up their current goal difference deficit of five.

Nørregaard decider
København had picked up just one Group 1 point in their opening games with Rosenborg and Malmö FF, but made up for that in Norway tonight. Hjalte Nørregaard scored on 31 minutes to take his side level with Rosenborg, who lead a tight group on goal difference with Malmö a point behind with a game in hand.

Tight group
Only a win at home to Malmö on 28 April would keep København in contention for a final place, though, with Rosenborg awaiting the outcome before they go to Sweden two weeks later.