Rafaelov fires Brugge in rout

Israel international Lior Rafaelov plundered a first-half hat-trick as Club Brugge maintained their bid for a place in the knock-out stages of the Europa League in style.

Rafaelov struck three times inside 29 first-half minutes to hand the Belgians an unassailable lead in Copenhagen as they extended their unbeaten run in Europe this season to eight games with a fourth successive win on the road, Ruud Vormer cementing victory on the hour.

The 4-0 defeat was the home side's first loss at home in the group and dented their hopes of making it out of Group B.

It took the visitors, who drew 1-1 with the Danes at home last month, just seven minutes to get their noses in front when midfielder Rafaelov turned smartly and fired home from 12 yards to get them off to the perfect start.

He then called upon home keeper Stephan Andersen to make a comfortable 13th-minute save, but Andersen needed the help of the upright to keep Copenhagen in it eight minutes later when midfielder Victor Vazquez volleyed against the post.

Andersen was in the thick of the action once again with 27 minutes gone when he had to turn away Felipe Gedoz's curling effort, but he was beaten for a second time on the half-hour when Rafaelov helped himself from Tom de Sutter's knock-down.

De Sutter was the provider once again six minutes later as Brugge ran riot, feeding Rafaelov to complete his hat-trick from 18 yards.

The visitors extended their lead on the hour when midfielder Vormer slotted home from close range after being picked out by substitute Nicolas Castillo, but to their credit, Copenhagen kept going.

It took a fine save by keeper Matthew Ryan to repel substitute Thomas Delaney's 83rd-minute header, and Domingues Claudemir twice went for goal from distance as time ran down, although he was unable to trouble Ryan on either occasion.