On Wednesday in Farum, FC Nordsjælland ended their qualifying round for the Conference League against Swedish side GAIS with a commanding result. The team won 6-0 on aggregate, securing them a spot in the next round before the start of the tournament.
After a tough losing streak and significant issues during last week's match in Gothenburg, FC Nordsjælland showed their teeth from the start of return leg. They quickly returned to their typical speed and directness as demonstrated in the 11th minute when a well-executed counter-attack saw Norwegian player Runar Norheim convert a perfect cross from Villum Berthelsen into an early lead.
Three minutes later, Berthelsen himself doubled his own lead with a dribble across the penalty area. He was fortunate that his shot deflected and deceived GAIS goalkeeper Mergim Krasniqi.
A large number of Swedish fans had made the trip to Farum, but their massive vocal support did not match the team on the pitch. In contrast, GAIS could not cope with Nordsjælland's rapid combinations, and the impressive home side extended its lead to 3-0 before halftime.
Villum Berthelsen was involved again as his fine strike hit the angle of the post and crossbar before Hjalte Boe headed in the rebound. Trailing by two goals on aggregate, GAIS responded by bringing on the Dane Simon Jorgensen at half-time, but former OB talent could not alter the fate of the lackluster Swedish side.
FC Nordsjælland's dominance continued into the second half and fifteen minutes after the break, the home team extended its lead to 4-0. Much like the opening goal, Runar Norheim was set up at the far side of the box, allowing the Norwegian to score with ease.
Shortly afterwards, Prince Amoako Junior made it 5-0 following a goalkeeping blunder, and the Swedish goalkeeper was in a charitable mood again for Nicklas Rojkjaer's goal that made it 6-0 in the closing stages.
