Cup keeps AaB gloom at bay in Denmark

Danish Cup success could yet open the door to another famous continental campaign for Aalborg BK, with FC Salzburg-bound captain Thomas Augustinussen saying: "After not winning in six league matches, it is all about the cup now."

European adventure
AaB delighted fans in Denmark by qualifying for the UEFA Champions League this season, then finishing third in their section to earn a stab at the UEFA Cup. They might still have been in that competition had they not succumbed to Manchester City FC on penalties in the Round of 16. Even so, another European adventure could be in store for the Superliga's northernmost side.

'All about the cup'
While the 2007/08 Danish champions have lost their way in the league, they are on course for the Danish Cup final having drawn 3-3 at Brøndby IF in their semi-final first leg. The home decider is on Wednesday and Augustinussen knows how much it means, saying: "After not winning in six league matches, it is all about the cup now. Reaching the final is a must."

One-sided tie
The cup winners qualify for the UEFA Europa League, although just reaching the final ought to be enough for the winner of AaB and Brøndby's tie. Superliga leaders FC København lead 4-0 from the away leg of their semi-final against Nordvest FC – the club that schooled Danish international Christian Poulsen – with the fourth-division outfit unlikely to stage a recovery.

'All decided'
"It was good to get it decided in the first match," said København coach Ståle Solbakken. Should the Copenhagen Lions avoid disaster in the return game and maintain their position at the top of the table, the other cup finalist will be guaranteed European football.

Salzburg calling
That would be a massive bonus for an AaB side lying seventh in the 12-team Superliga. They also have to come to terms with the impending departure of Augustinussen, with the midfielder having agreed to join Austrian Bundesliga club Salzburg in the summer.