Copenhagen vs Napoli

The Champions League league phase enters its most critical stage today, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as FC Copenhagen hosts Napoli at the Parken Stadium.¹ Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET).

This is a quintessential "six-pointer" in the revamped European format. Both sides currently sit on 7 points from six matches, occupying the final two play-off spots (23rd and 24th).³ With only one point separating them from the elimination zone, a loss tonight would be catastrophic for either club's hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds.

Match Information

FC Copenhagen: The Parken Fortress

Jacob Neestrup’s side comes into this fixture with momentum after back-to-back Champions League victories, including a stunning away win at Villarreal.⁴ Despite being in their domestic winter break, the Danish champions have maintained match fitness through high-intensity friendlies.⁵ Copenhagen’s strategy relies heavily on the "Parken factor," where the atmosphere often rattles elite European opposition.

Team News and Selection:

• Absences: Magnus Mattsson and Rodrigo Huescas (knee) are ruled out.⁷ New signing Kenay Myrie is ineligible to feature in the league phase.

   

• Rising Star: 17-year-old Viktor Dadason has been the breakout performer of the tournament, netting two goals in the league phase so far.⁹

   

   

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Kotarski; Lopez, Zague, G. Pereira, Suzuki; Delaney, Mads Emil Madsen; Elyounoussi, Larsson, Achouri; Dadason.

Napoli: A Squad Pushed to the Limit

Antonio Conte’s Napoli arrives in Denmark amidst a full-blown injury crisis.¹⁰ Following their 1–0 win over Sassuolo on Saturday, Matteo Politano and Amir Rrahmani joined an already crowded treatment table.¹¹ Despite these setbacks, Napoli is unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions, including a gritty 2–2 draw with Inter Milan.¹²

Team News and Selection:

• Injury Crisis: Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Frank Anguissa, Billy Gilmour, and goalkeeper Alex Meret are all confirmed absentees.¹³

   

   

• The "McTominay" Threat: Scott McTominay has been Napoli’s savior in Europe, leading the team with 3 goals in this UCL campaign.¹⁴

   

   

• Homecoming: Forward Rasmus Højlund returns to his home country and the stadium where he has often starred for the Danish national team.¹⁵

   

   

• Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Buongiorno, Juan Jesus; Di Lorenzo, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola; Lang, Vergara; Højlund.¹⁶

   

   

? League Phase Standings (Bottom of Play-offs)

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Napoli’s primary concern will be their lack of depth in midfield and goal. Conte is likely to set up a very rigid defensive block, looking to stifle Copenhagen and hit them on the counter through the pace of Noa Lang and Rasmus Højlund.

Copenhagen will look to dominate possession and exploit Napoli’s makeshift defense. However, the Italians' experience in high-pressure scenarios—and the current form of Scott McTominay—might just give them the edge in a match that feels like a cup final.

Final Score Prediction: FC Copenhagen 1–1 Napoli