HISTORY

Brøndby IF are based in the outskirts of Copenhagen and were founded on 1964 after the merger of two small local clubs. They reached Denmark’s top tier in 1981 for the first time, led by star player Finn Laudrup, the father of Michael and Brian.

The following year would be Brøndby IF’s first in European competitions. Teenager Michael Laudrup filled the vacancy left by his retired father and went on to become the first player of the club to be capped with Denmark and earn the “Player of the Season” accolade. The sum from his transfer to Juventus was key to Brøndby IF’s success in following seasons.

The team won their first league title in 1985 and gradually Brøndby IF dominated Danish football. In 1991, under the guidance of Morten Olsen, they made it to the UEFA Cup semi-finals. Their ascendancy was cut short by financial problems that almost led them to bankruptcy. They entered a period of economic hardship, but managed to claim the league against in 1996.

From 1985 until 2005 they won 10 Danish Superliga titles. The last one, in 2005, was won with Michael Laudrup calling the shots from the bench. His departure in 2006 brought another decline that would last for seven years. In 2013 they changed ownership and their fate changed.

EUROPEAN RUN

Brøndby IF finished third in last season’s league (behind FC Midtjylland and FC København) and earned a spot in the UEFA Europa League 1st qualifying round. They were drawn against AC Juvenes/Dogana of San Marino and thrashed them 9-0 in the first leg and 2-0 in the second.

In the second round, they were paired with PFC Beroe Stara Zagora of Bulgaria. They won 1-0 away and their goalless draw in Denmark proved enough to see them to the next round.

They were then drawn against Cypriot side AC Omonia and eliminated them after two draws, with the away goal rule. The Brøndby Stadion matched ended goalless and the second leg finished 2-2. Finnish striker Teemu Pukki stole the show by netting both goals for the Danish outfit.

Along with Elba Rashani and Johan Elmander, Pukki is Brøndby IF’s top scorer with 3 goals in 6 European encounters this season.

THE LEAGUE

After three matchdays in the Danish Superliga, Brøndby IF are the only side not to have won a point yet. They lost away to AGF Aarhus and then suffered two back-to-back home defeats by Odense Boldklub (2-1) and Hobro IK. On Sunday 9 August they face Randers FC.

THE GROUND

Brøndby Stadion has been growing along with the club. In 1965 there was only the pitch and no stands around it. The first stand of 1.200-seat capacity was erected in 1978. In 1982 the ground could accommodate 5.000 spectators, doubled their capacity in 1990 and by 1992 it had become a 22.000-seater.

Brøndby IF purchased the ground from the local municipality and modernised it. Nowadays, PAOK’s next rivals can host 28.000 spectators in their home ground.