# Copenhagen Stage Stunning Comeback to Defeat Villarreal 3-2
**FC Copenhagen produced a thrilling Champions League victory at Villarreal, surviving a second-half fightback to claim all three points in a five-goal thriller.**
The Danish side made a dream start when M. Elyounoussi struck just two minutes in, catching the hosts cold to give Copenhagen an early advantage. Villarreal struggled to find their rhythm in the opening period, with Alfonso Pedraza picking up a yellow card on 34 minutes as frustrations mounted.
Manager decisions at halftime proved pivotal. Villarreal boss rang the changes, introducing T. Buchanan, G. Mikautadze, and N. Pepe, while Copenhagen brought on Robert. The substitutions had an immediate impact as S. Comesana pulled Villarreal level within two minutes of the restart.
But Copenhagen’s response was instant. Just 60 seconds later, E. Achouri restored the visitors’ lead with a crucial strike that silenced the home crowd. The match remained on a knife’s edge as T. Oluwaseyi brought Villarreal back to 2-2 in the 56th minute, setting up a tense finale.
The hosts pressed for a winner, with Ilias Akhomach booked for his efforts on 58 minutes. Both managers continued to shuffle their packs, with A. Moleiro introduced for Villarreal and V. Dadason and Y. Zague entering for Copenhagen.
As yellow cards accumulated—Andreas Cornelius and Elias Achouri for Copenhagen, Pape Gueye for Villarreal—the match grew increasingly frantic. Copenhagen made their final changes with W. Clem and M. Madsen arriving on 81 minutes, while A. Pedraza came on for the hosts.
The decisive moment arrived in the 90th minute when Cornelius, already booked, headed home the winner to complete Copenhagen’s remarkable comeback and secure a memorable European triumph.
