FC København 1-1 Napoli Player Ratings: Ten-Man Hosts Snatch Dramatic Late Draw

FC København produced a remarkable display of resilience to hold Napoli to a 1–1 draw in a dramatic Champions League encounter at Parken. What unfolded was a chaotic and emotionally charged night, shaped by an early incident and an extraordinary response from the home side.

The turning point arrived in the 35th minute when captain Thomas Delaney was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a reckless challenge, leaving København with a mountain to climb. Serie A side Napoli wasted little time in taking advantage, as Scott McTominay rose to power home a header just four minutes later, seemingly putting the visitors firmly in control.

With a numerical advantage and the lead, Napoli appeared well placed to see the game out comfortably.

However, FC København refused to fold. Reduced to ten men, the hosts defended with intensity and discipline, frustrating Napoli as clear chances became increasingly difficult to come by.

Mohamed Elyounoussi’s tireless running earned a penalty, and although Jordan Larsson saw his initial effort saved, the substitute reacted quickest to convert the rebound and ignite celebrations inside Parken.

It was a night defined by grit, belief, and missed opportunity for Napoli as they were held by the underdogs. Here are Sportsdunua’s FC København vs Napoli Player Ratings from the Champions League clash.

Key Takeaways

• Delaney’s dismissal handed Napoli control, which they converted through McTominay’s header.

• Despite playing with ten men, the hosts stayed disciplined and frustrated Napoli.

• Larsson’s rebound finish earned a deserved 1–1 draw on a gritty European night.

FC København Player Ratings vs Napoli

Here's a look at the FC København Player Ratings.

Goalkeeper

Dominik Kotarski - 7.5: A very strong performance from the keeper. He made five saves, four of which were from inside the box. Could do absolutely nothing about the pinpoint header from McTominay. Kept his side in the game when they were under siege, especially with a key save late on.

Defenders

Gabriel Pereira - 7.0: A pillar of strength at the back. We noticed he was composed and made nine ball recoveries and six clearances. He was a crucial part of the rearguard action after the red card, standing tall against the Napoli attack.

Marcos López - 6.5: Had a busy evening. He was decent enough and made a couple of key tackles, but was also dribbled past. Overall, he contributed to a defensive unit that bent but refused to break.

Junnosuke Suzuki - 7.0: A warrior's performance. He was constantly in the right place, making four clearances and winning the majority of his duels. He embodied the fighting spirit his team needed.

Birger Meling - 6.0: Found it tough going, especially against Napoli's tricky wingers. He was dribbled past four times before being substituted. He worked hard but it was a difficult night for him personally.

Midfielders

Mohamed Elyounoussi - 8.0: The main man for the hosts. His direct run and clever play won the crucial penalty that changed the game. He was a constant thorn in Napoli's side, working tirelessly both on and off the ball. A truly inspirational performance.

M. Madsen - 6.5: Very neat and tidy in possession, completing 92% of his passes. He kept the ball moving but was sacrificed later in the game for fresh legs. A solid if unspectacular outing.

Thomas Delaney - 3.0: A moment of pure madness. The captain's reckless lunge earned him a straight red card and put his team in a monumental hole. It was an act that betrayed his experience and left his teammates with a mountain to climb. A truly disappointing display.

Elias Achouri - 6.0: Looked bright in the opening stages. He showed good passing and control but his evening was cut short. He was the unfortunate player sacrificed for a defender after the red card.

Forwards

Andreas Cornelius - 6.0: Used his physicality well, winning a lot of aerial duels and providing an outlet. However, he didn't manage a single shot and was subbed just after the hour mark. He battled hard but lacked a cutting edge.

Viktor Bjarki Dadason - 5.5: Barely had a chance to make an impact. He was on the pitch for just 36 minutes before being tactically substituted for a defender following Delaney's dismissal. Not his fault, but a non-eventful appearance.

Substitutes

Pantelis Hatzidiakos - 7.0: Brought on to solidify the defence after the red card and he did his job superbly. He was a calming presence and made several important interventions to keep Napoli at bay.

Jordan Larsson - 7.5: The hero of the hour. Showed immense character to miss a penalty and then immediately pounce on the rebound to score the equalizer. His goal earned his team a priceless point.

William Clem - 6.5: Added some much-needed energy and grit to the midfield in the final stages. He helped disrupt Napoli's rhythm and see out the draw.

Viktor Claesson - 6.0: Came on late and did his defensive duties well. Helped manage the final frantic minutes of the game.

Anga - N/A: Introduced with too little time remaining to warrant a rating.

Manager

J. Neestrup Hansen - 8.0: What stood out to us was his brilliant game management. After the disaster of the red card, his tactical adjustments and substitutions were perfect. He instilled a belief in his side that they could get something from the game, and they delivered for him.

Napoli Player Ratings vs FC København

Let's delve into the Napoli Player Ratings.

Goalkeeper

Vanja Milinković-Savić - 8.0: He will feel incredibly hard done by. Produced a magnificent save to deny the penalty, a moment of real quality. He was helpless for the rebound. A heroic effort that deserved a clean sheet.

Defenders

Alessandro Buongiorno - 5.5: A frustrating performance from him. He was dominant in the air and strong in the tackle for most of the game. However, his clumsy foul for the penalty was a critical error that cost his team the victory.

Juan Jesus - 6.0: Kept possession well with a 93% pass accuracy. However, he was part of a defence that failed to see out the game against ten men. Looked a little vulnerable when put under pressure.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo - 6.0: The captain was very involved, with over 100 touches. But he struggled to provide his usual attacking thrust. He ended the game with a yellow card and a look of sheer frustration.

Midfielders

Miguel Gutiérrez - 6.5: He started the game brightly, creating a chance and looking dangerous. His influence waned as the match went on, and he was eventually substituted. A decent but not decisive performance.

Scott McTominay - 8.5: Our man of the match. A commanding midfield display topped off with a fantastic header for the opening goal. He was everywhere, controlling play with 96% pass accuracy and always looking to drive his team forward. A class apart.

Leonardo Spinazzola - 6.5: A solid contribution on the left flank. He was involved in the build-up play and was defensively sound before being taken off. Did his job without setting the world alight.

Stanislav Lobotka - 8.0: A midfield metronome. He completed 91 of his 93 passes, an incredible statistic that shows his control over the game's tempo. He was calm, composed, and almost impossible to dispossess. A masterful performance.

Forwards

Rasmus Højlund - 6.0: A difficult night for the striker. He was isolated at times and couldn't get a clear sight of goal. His work rate was high, but he was booked for a frustrated foul and couldn't make the impact he wanted.

Eljif Elmas - 7.5: Provided a wonderful assist for McTominay's goal with a perfectly weighted cross. He was Napoli's most creative player for much of the match, always looking to unlock the defence. A very good showing.

Antonio Vergara - 7.0: A livewire in the first half. His pace and dribbling caused numerous problems, and he created three chances for his teammates. He faded a little and was subbed after 62 minutes, but he was impressive.

Substitutes

Noa Lang - 6.0: Came on to try and find a winner but struggled to make a significant impact against a resolute ten-man defence.

Giuseppe Ambrosino - N/A: Not on long enough to be rated.

Lorenzo Lucca - N/A: Brought on late with little time to influence the result.

Manager

A. Conte - 6.0: He will be absolutely furious. His team had a goal and a man advantage and failed to secure the win. From our perspective, his team lacked the ruthlessness to kill the game off, and that ultimately cost them two crucial points in the Champions League.

Man of the Match

Scott McTominay was Sportsdunia's man of the match.

Worst Performer

Thomas Delaney was the worst performer in the FC København vs Napoli clash.