Norwegian Cup holders FK Fredrikstad, the club of Rocco Robert Shein, began their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round campaign with a tough 1–3 home defeat to Danish side FC Midtjylland. The match marked Fredrikstad’s first appearance in European competition in 16 years but ended in disappointment on home soil.
Estonian international midfielder Rocco Robert Shein started the match on the bench – his first time as a substitute since May 28 in a league fixture against Rosenborg. He was brought on in the 70th minute, by which time the damage had largely been done.
Midtjylland took control early in the game, striking twice in the first half. The opener came from Guinea-Bissau striker Franculino, followed by a composed finish from 18-year-old Danish talent Mikel Gogorza, who doubled the visitors’ lead before the break.
Fredrikstad showed signs of life in the second half shortly after Shein’s introduction. In the 77th minute, Joannes Bjartalid pulled one back to ignite hope among the home crowd. But that optimism was short-lived – just two minutes later, Midtjylland restored their two-goal cushion through Ecuadorian midfielder Denil Castillo, a €4 million signing from Shakhtar Donetsk last year.
The match ended 1-3, leaving Fredrikstad with a steep challenge heading into the second leg, which will take place next week in Denmark. The loser of the tie will drop into the UEFA Conference League play-off round, where a daunting potential opponent awaits – Premier League side Crystal Palace.
