FC Midtjylland are closing in on participation in the league phase of the Europa League.
On Thursday, the Midtjylland team took a significant step towards booking their ticket for the playoff round of the qualification for the tournament when the team won 3-1 away against Norwegian cup winners, Fredrikstad, in the third qualifying round.
The in-form striker Franculino scored for the sixth time in the new season, before the young winger Mikel Gogorza added a great goal to make it 2-0 in a thrilling first half.
The Faroese striker Joannes Bjartalid then reduced the deficit to 1-2 after the break, but the Ecuadorian midfielder Denil Castillo then restored the two-goal advantage for the visitors with a prolific header to give the Danes a 3-1 win on the Norwegian artificial turf.
The return match against Fredrikstad will be played at the MCH Arena in Herning next Thursday, and if FCM completes the job, the team will at least be assured of a place in the Conference League in the autumn.
However, in their current form Thomas Thomasberg's will be clear favorites to claim a spot in the league phase of the Europa League.
The last opponent before possible qualification for the Europa League will probably be Finnish KuPS, who lead 2-1 before their return match against RFS from Latvia at home.