Champions League: Crusaders 0-3 FC Copenhagen

Matthew Snoddy and Rasmus Falk in action during the Champions League qualifier at Seaview

Crusaders lost 3-0 to Danish champions FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their Champions League second qualifying round tie at Seaview on Wednesday.

Federico Santander headed low into the bottom corner of the net for the opener in the 19th minute.

Andreas Cornelius added the second with a diving header from Peter Ankersen's cross five minutes before the interval.

Rasmus Falk fired into the bottom right-hand corner from 20 yards for a well-taken third in the 53rd minute.

The outcome of the tie looks to be already decided going into next Tuesday's second leg in Denmark.

The Irish Premiership champions made a lively start and Declan Caddell headed over from Richard Clarke's cross.

The hosts created a number of further chances in the second half, with Gavin Whyte going close and substitute David Cushley posing a real threat in his first competitive appearance for Stephen Baxter's side.

The former Ballymena United forward forced Robin Olsen into a fingertip save with a half-volley, then fired over and also brought another fine stop from the visiting keeper with a late effort.

Santander could have scored another after the break but Sean O'Neill saved well.

Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter: "We were up against top European opposition littered with internationals of really high quality.

"Having said that, we competed in the game, created a number of chances against a really good team and asked their keeper to make a couple of smart saves.

"We were under a lot of pressure, as we knew we would be, but from our perspective we gained a lot in terms of fitness and our tactical approach to a lot of things."