With injuries mounting and momentum scarce, FC Copenhagen head to London to face Tottenham in a crucial Champions League showdown

In the early days of November, as the Group C phase of the UEFA Champions League 2025‑26 continues, members of F.C. Copenhagen prepare for a defining fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. European football expert Andy Brassell described the Danish champions as “vulnerable” heading into the match — citing both their injury crisis and the lack of momentum as major concerns.

A squad under strain
Brassell highlights a key weakness: “They’re missing probably five, six key players, most notably Thomas Delaney, Birger Meling,” he said, pointing to the absence of experienced heads in a competition that demands so much. That absence leaves Copenhagen’s squad depth under the microscope. Brassell adds that the club have “stretched” resources due to balancing domestic commitments and the Champions League demands. In contrast, Tottenham — while far from perfect — carry fewer signs of structural weakness. They have at least shown stronger continuity and are at home for this key tie, which gives them a tangible advantage.

Tactical vulnerabilities and pressure
Beyond injuries, Brassell notes that Copenhagen are “struggling a little” in their domestic campaign and have taken only a single point from three group matches so far. That kind of record exposes them to the kind of pressure that top‑level European matches magnify.
Their style of play — a blend of solid organisation and gradual build‑up — is now forced to adapt under duress. The Danish side aimed to be a “hub for Nordic talent” and a stepping stone for emerging players, Brassell explains, but that model comes with growing pains. Against a side like Tottenham, who are assertive in possession transitions and capable of degrading weaker defences at speed, the margin for error is thin. Copenhagen will need to find rhythm early, remain compact, and force Spurs into mistakes rather than relying on their own attack to dictate.

Spurs’ opportunity and motivation
For Tottenham, the fixture arrives at an opportune moment. As Brassell puts it: “This is a great opportunity … to lay down some sort of marker at home.” The significance is two‑fold: securing a top‑24 knockout berth while also injecting momentum into domestic and continental aspirations.
Playing at home adds extra impetus; the crowd expectance and the familiarity of surroundings count for something. Tottenham’s manager has to manage the match with awareness that Copenhagen will be cautious, possibly conservative, and potentially depleted. Exploiting that could tilt the fixture heavily.

Key areas to watch

• Injury management: Copenhagen’s coach faces the unenviable task of fielding a competitive side despite missing core personnel. Substitutions may not purely be tactical; they may be driven by availability.
• Midfield control and transitions: Copenhagen’s ability to control tempo will matter, but so will their capacity to handle transitions — when Tottenham turn defence into attack quickly, especially down the flanks.
• Set‑pieces and moments: When one side is deeper in squad quality and the other is under pressure, matches are often decided by singular moments — errors, set‑plays, counter attacks. Copenhagen must minimise risk in those phases.
• Psychological edge: Tottenham’s home crowd, the incentive of a better group position, and Copenhagen’s recent inconsistency all feed into the intangible but real “match mood”. Copenhagen must resist feeling the weight of expectation shifting away from them.

Final word
Brassell’s assessment is resolute: Copenhagen face a “genuine exploit” if they are to advance safely from this group, given the current injury list and squad status. Yet football is never played on paper alone. If Copenhagen can funnel their youth, maintain discipline and deliver a composed first‑half, they remain capable of upsetting the scales.
Nevertheless, all signs point to Tottenham having a measured edge — and Copenhagen must overcome more than just their opponent if they are to survive this chapter in London.