Nordsjælland retain Danish Cup

FC Nordsjælland have lifted the Danish Cup for the second year in succession, repeating last season's final triumph against FC Midtjylland courtesy of a 3-2 victory at Parken Stadion in Copenhagen.

Nordsjælland needed extra time to complete a 2-0 success in 2010, but this time they wrapped matters up within 90 minutes, although it took an added-time winner from substitute Søren Christensen to finally settle matters.

Determined to avenge last year's defeat, Midtjylland started purposefully, putting heavy pressure on Nordsjælland but struggling to create clear-cut chances. Instead, it was Morten Wieghorst's men who took the lead as Rawez Lawan applied a low, left-footed finish to Tobias Mikkelsen's short cross after 15 minutes. Midtjylland continued to press and were rewarded when Mikkel Thygesen latched on to Sylvester Igboun Emeka's pass and struck into an empty net.

Nine minutes after the break, Lawan registered for the second time, benefiting from a Bryan Oviedo cross, but with 20 minutes remaining it was Thygesen's turn to double his tally, the midfielder finishing from close range after Jesper Juelsgård's centre was deflected in front of goal.

Another helping of extra time began to look inevitable as time ticked down, but Christensen had the final say with an excellent strike in the first minute of added time. "I was a substitute in the final last year," said Lawan. "This year I was not only allowed to start, but I also scored twice. The most fantastic moment was when Søren made it 3-2 – although I can't remember right now how he did it."

The victors can look forward to a berth in UEFA Europa League qualifying next term, as can defeated Midtjylland, who are assured of at least a fourth-place finish in the Danish Super League.