Champions League

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Champions League | Group Stage

Oct 23, 2013 at 7.45pm UK

Galatasaray Galatasaray
3-1
Copenhagen

Melo (8'), Sneijder (38'), Drogba (45')

FT(HT: 3-0)

Claudemir (88')

Galatasaray ease to win over FC Copenhagen

By Sian Cowper, Reporter | 23 October 2013

Galatasaray score three fist-half goals to secure a comfortable win over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.

Galatasaray have secured a comfortable 3-1 win over Copenhagen in the group stage of the Champions League this evening.

Galatasaray's Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo celebrates scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match between Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen on October 23, 2013 © Getty Images

After a strong opening spell by the home side, Felipe Melo put the Turkish side ahead with a pacy header in from a Dany Nounkeu cross in the 10th minute.

Didier Drogba almost doubled their advantage six minutes later, but he hurried his shot, smashing it straight to Johan Wiland.

Wesley Sneijder added the second following a break from the back by Emmanuel Eboue, who took the ball the length of the pitch before pulling it back for the Dutch international to power home from 10 yards.

Galatasaray's Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder celebrates scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match between Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen on October 23, 2013 © Getty Images

The hosts increased their lead in stoppage time in the first half, after Drogba was left with a simple tap from a Bruma set up.

Drogba almost set up Burak Yilmaz for a fourth in the second half, but the Turkish international could not convert from the Ivorian's cross.

Dominguez Claudemir grabbed a late consolation for the visitors against the run of play, bursting through the Galatasaray defence for an 88th-minute goal.