Free-scoring Midtjylland deepen AGF’s problems

AGF’s impressive Danish championship has quickly given way to a difficult start in the Superliga. The Aarhus side lost 2-0 at home to last season’s title rivals FC Midtjylland on Wednesday and still had no league win after six rounds.

Midtjylland struck early and kept the pressure on for much of the delayed match in Vejlby. Friday Etim had already missed a major chance before he opened the scoring in the 11th minute, lifting the ball over the advancing Mads Hedenstad after Philip Billing sent him through with a superb pass.

The visitors nearly doubled their lead soon afterward, but the crossbar denied Cho Gue-sung. AGF gradually found a foothold after its shaky opening, though it created no major chances before halftime. Frederik Emmery then produced a lively start to the second half, but AGF’s brightest performer could not beat an outstanding Elias Olafsson in the Midtjylland goal.

Midtjylland added a second in the 55th minute when Ecuadorian midfielder Denil Castillo fired a powerful shot into the top corner. Coach Mike Tullberg, marking the first anniversary of his appointment, celebrated on the touchline. His team never looked likely to surrender the lead against an underwhelming defending champion.

The result put Midtjylland on 14 points at the top of the table. AGF had only three points, level with Lyngby near the relegation line. Midtjylland also showed little sign of missing Dario Osorio, who had joined Crystal Palace, while Franculino was left out of the squad at the last moment.