Copenhagen Host Napoli in Pivotal Champions League Showdown
COPENHAGEN, January 20, 2026 – A crucial UEFA Champions League encounter awaits at Parken Stadium as FC Copenhagen welcomes SSC Napoli in a match that could significantly impact both clubs’ hopes of advancing to the knockout stages. With identical records of two wins, one draw, and three losses, the two sides are locked on seven points in the expanded league phase, making Tuesday’s fixture a virtual six-pointer.
Stakes Could Not Be Higher
The 2025/26 Champions League’s new league phase format has created a tense mid-table logjam, with Copenhagen and Napoli occupying the 24th and 23rd positions respectively in the 36-team standings. Only the top 24 teams advance to the knockout rounds, meaning both clubs are currently clinging to the final qualification spots. A victory for either side would provide a vital cushion, while a loss could see them overtaken by chasing teams like Benfica.
Team Form and Key Statistics
| Metric | FC Copenhagen | SSC Napoli |
|---|---|---|
| League Phase Position | 24th | 23rd |
| Points | 7 | 7 |
| Record (W-D-L) | 2-1-3 | 2-1-3 |
| Goals For | 10 | 6 |
| Goals Against | 16 | 11 |
| Goal Difference | -6 | -5 |
| Top UCL Scorer | Jordan Larsson (2) | Scott McTominay (3) |
Injury Crisis Tests Napoli’s Depth
Napoli manager Antonio Conte faces a significant selection headache ahead of the trip to Denmark. The Italian side is grappling with an extensive injury list that includes key players such as midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (thigh), striker Romelu Lukaku, goalkeeper Alex Meret (shoulder), and defender Amir Rrahmani (muscle). Winger David Neres (ankle) and midfielder Billy Gilmour (groin) are also sidelined.
Conte addressed the situation in his pre-match press conference, stating, “We try to focus on who’s available. We inevitably have to make some changes… We need to find solutions without feeling sorry for ourselves.” Napoli will likely rely on the attacking duo of Rasmus Højlund and Scott McTominay, who have combined for five Champions League goals this campaign.
Historical Danish Connection
The match carries personal significance for Napoli striker Rasmus Højlund, who returns to his hometown of Copenhagen. Højlund is one of only four Danish players to have ever represented Napoli, following in the footsteps of Philip Billing (2024/25), Jesper Lindstrøm (2023/24), and Harald Nielsen (1968/69). Nielsen later became the first chairman of FC Copenhagen’s board.
“It’s wonderful to be back here,” Højlund said. “It’s a special stadium where I have very fond memories. It’s important for us to win. We have the same points as Copenhagen. Tomorrow we have to win.”
How to Watch in Canada
Canadian football fans can catch all the action live on DAZN and fuboTV. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM Eastern Time / 12:00 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is at stake in this match?
Both teams are tied on seven points, which currently places them in the final qualification spots (23rd and 24th) for the knockout rounds. A win would provide a crucial advantage in the race for the top 24.
Who are Napoli’s key absentees?
Napoli is without several first-team players including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Alex Meret, Amir Rrahmani, David Neres, Billy Gilmour, and Matteo Politano due to various injuries.
What is the historical head-to-head record?
Based on the provided data, there is no recorded head-to-head history between FC Copenhagen and SSC Napoli in official competitions, making this a first-ever competitive meeting.