An own goal by Bruges defender Brandon Mechele and a header from Mathias Jorgensen handed Copenhagen a deserved win at the Jan Breydelstadion that in the end was only good enough for third place in Group G.
The Danish side had needed victory and no more than a draw for Porto at home to English champions Leicester City to advance, but saw their hopes of a second round place quashed as the Portuguese side romped to a 5-0 win.
Copenhagen, who will now enter the last 32 of the Europa League, scored both their goals from set-pieces whipped into the box by Ludwig Augustinsson.
Captain Thomas Delaney got a slight touch to a free kick and the ball deflected into the net off the unlucky Mechele.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
The visitors doubled their lead when Jorgensen headed home Augustinsson’s corner. It was another soft goal conceded by the home side, who lost all six of their group games in this year's competition.
(Reporting By Nick Said; Editing by Toby Davis)
