An early goal from Daniel Braaten put Copenhagen's Champions League campaign back on track with a 1-0 win over Galatasaray in Group B on Tuesday.
The Norwegian forward back heeled the ball in after a shot from Rurik Gislason in the sixth minute. Three minutes later, the home team came close to increasing its lead when Nicolai Jorgensen's header hit the woodwork.
Copenhagen's early lead rattled the visitors, who traveled to the Danish capital without goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who was out with a broken toe, and influential Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder who has a right thigh injury.
Galatasaray recovered from its poor start, but failed to find an equalizer despite applying plenty of pressure and creating a series of chances. An effort from Selcuk Inan was followed by what looked like an equalizer in the 21st minute by Portuguese teammate Bruma, only for the strike to be ruled out for offside.
Burak Yilmaz then had a clear opportunity in the 31st, drawing a save from Copenhagen goalkeeper Johan Wiland, and Brazil international Felipe Melo hit the post just four minutes later.
Braaten came close to scoring again in the 42nd minute but was denied by goalkeeper Eray Iscan. The Turkish club then launched a quick counter attack but a powerful shot from Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba flew over the Copenhagen crossbar.
Galatasaray turned up the pressure in the second half, with chances falling for Drogba, who had scored in each of his last three games, Yilmaz and Bruma.
However, Copenhagen held on for a win that leaves it third in the group - but level on four points with Galatasaray. Real Madrid is on the verge of qualifying with 10 points while Juventus has three.
Copenhagen is unbeaten at home in the group stage over the past eight seasons, including a 1-1 draw against Juventus this season. Its next match is against the Italian club in Turin.
