- FC Midtjylland’s goalkeeper made a disastrous mistake against FCSB
- The hosts scored just seconds into the second half of the Europa League match
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The FC Midtjylland goalkeeper suffered a monumental moment of shame after one of the worst kick-off routines ever doubled the opponent’s lead just seven seconds into the second half.
The Danish side have had a mixed Europa League season so far – they were 13th in the overall standings – but had a golden opportunity on Thursday evening to put themselves in a strong position for knockout qualification.
A game against Romanian side FCSB was closely contested, with Florian Tanase giving the hosts a first-half lead over Midtjylland before the visitors shot themselves in the foot in a disastrous moment after the break.
Midtjylland boss Thomas Thomasberg had just delivered a rousing team speech during the break as his side tried to find a way back to level, but his team were forced to concede seconds later.
When the match resumed, the ball was immediately passed back to goalkeeper Elias Rafn Olafsson, who continued to linger in possession as FCSB players pressed intensely.
FC Midtjylland goalkeeper Elias Rafn Olafsson (left) regretted a huge mistake in Thursday’s Europa League match against FCSB
FCSB player Daniel Birligea (left) scored an easy tap-in just six seconds into the second half
Olafsson was stranded halfway through his half after receiving the ball from the kick-off
The shot-stopper had emerged from his penalty area to receive the ball from the kick-off and was stranded in the middle of his own half as Midtjylland’s outfield players rushed forward, waiting for a long ball.
However, disaster struck when Olafsson waited too long for the ball and watched in horror as his clearance attempt struck FCSB striker Daniel Birligea, flew into the air and bounced back towards goal.
Midtjylland’s players desperately sprinted back to prevent the ball from falling into the goal, but were helpless in their efforts as Birligea beat Olafsson in a foot race to score an incredibly easy tap-in.
FCSB players celebrated emphatically in the goal after doubling their lead against Midtjylland
FCSB players couldn’t believe their luck as they celebrated emphatically as they ganged up in goal when Midtjylland made a cataclysmic mistake that ultimately condemned them to a 2-0 defeat.
Supporters and coaching staff at the National Arena were similarly stunned by the bizarre goal which has since gone viral on social media, with fans left shocked by the goalkeeper’s mistake.
“A nightmare start,” said one X viewer, who was stunned by the mistake which has put Midtjylland’s Europa League qualification hopes in doubt.
The Danish team currently has seven points from four Europa League matches and faces a huge match against Bundesliga team Eintracht Frankfurt in the next round.