Allsvenskan Midweek: Hammarby Claims Dominant Victory Against Malmö While AIK Maintains Lead at the Summit

Hammarby has pulled off one of the most significant victories of the 2025 Allsvenskan season by becoming the first team to defeat defending champions Malmo, achieving a 2-0 victory at 3Arena. In other news, AIK managed a dramatic late win to remain at the top, clinching a 2-1 victory against struggling Varnamo.

Although Hammarby’s flawless start was halted over the weekend with a defeat to Mjallby, they still held a narrow edge over Malmo, who had drawn their previous two matches before their showdown in Stockholm.

The contest was a thrilling back-and-forth affair, yet neither side managed to carve out many clear chances in the first half.

The breakthrough finally arrived with just 16 minutes remaining, as Sebastian Tounekti demonstrated great determination in evading his marker and reaching the by-line. Whether it was meant as a cross or a shot from a tight angle, the ball squirmed past goalkeeper Ricardo Friedrich, with backtracking defender Busanello unable to clear the danger off the line.

With just five minutes to go, the home team sealed the victory when a corner was cleared only to the edge of the area, where Markus Karlsson was poised to strike through a wall of players, sending the ball past Friedrich for a 2-0 lead.

AIK remains at the summit with four wins and a draw from their opening five fixtures, but they had to work hard for their 2-1 victory over Varnamo, leaving the home side still searching for their first point this season.

Late in the first half, Mads Thychosen found the net with a well-placed finish from a left-sided cross, giving AIK the lead. However, they failed to extend their advantage and were punished 10 minutes from time when Emin Grozdanic equalised for Varnamo.

Yet, Varnamo could not withstand the late pressure, and with three minutes left on the clock, they were undone by a superb AIK counterattack that initiated deep in their half, culminating in Johan Hove finishing the move.

Interestingly, all four of AIK’s victories have come by the narrowest of margins, mirroring Varnamo’s five losses, which have all similarly been decided by a single goal.

Mjallby continued their impressive form, remaining unbeaten and recording a third consecutive win with a 3-1 victory over Halmstad in an away match on Wednesday.

Jacob Bergstrom set up Nicklas Rojkjaer with a clever pass midway through the first half, but Halmstad equalized right before half-time when Yannick Agnero tapped in a rebound after Naeem Mohammed’s shot hit the crossbar.

However, the visitors regained control early in the second half with Bergstrom assisting Abdoulie Manneh.

Just 17 minutes from full-time, Ludwig Thorell delivered a fantastic curling cross that was expertly headed home by Herman Johansson.

Mjallby now sits third in the league table, just two points off the leaders, while Halmstad remains in the relegation zone.

Wednesday night also featured two thrilling high-scoring matches, as Elfsborg triumphed over Sirius 4-3 and Degerfors claimed a 4-3 away win against Hacken.

Elfsborg has seemingly overcome their sluggish start to the season, notching a third consecutive win. They held a 2-1 lead at half-time, courtesy of goals from Ari Sigurpalsson and Taylor Silverholt, sandwiching a penalty from Leo Walta.

Sirius turned the match on its head early in the second half with a goal from Robbie Ure and Walta netting his second, but Rasmus Wikstrom brought the scores level as the match approached the final quarter.

As the game appeared set for a draw, Sirius’s defence faltered four minutes from time, allowing Simon Hedlund to score the winner from the back post after a botched defensive clearance.

At the Bravida Arena, Hacken nearly staged a remarkable comeback but fell just short against Degerfors.

The visitors struck first with Leon Hien’s low free-kick finding the net before the home side leveled through Severin Nioule ten minutes after the break.

However, two quick goals from Nahom Girmai and Elias Pihlstrom established a strong lead for Degerfors, and it seemed they had the points secured when Pihlstrom scored again with 15 minutes left.

A penalty from Simon Gustafson reignited Hacken’s hopes with ten minutes to go, followed by Pontus Dahbo making it 4-3 in the 84th minute. Despite facing eight minutes of added time, Degerfors held on to secure all three points.

In the later fixtures on Thursday, goals were less forthcoming.

In the second fixture at 3Arena, Djurgarden finally achieved their first domestic win in three attempts, thanks to an own goal by Mattis Adolfsson in the 87th minute, sealing a 1-0 win against Oster. The visitors have now lost four of their five matches since being promoted.

Elsewhere in Gothenburg, a goal from Hylnur Karlsson gave Brommapojkarna a half-time lead against GAIS. However, an equaliser from Ibrahim Diabate ensured the Mackerels salvaged a 1-1 draw despite Robin Wendin’s late red card.

In Norrkoping, there was no shortage of excitement as visiting IFK Goteborg came back from a 2-0 deficit to clinch a 3-2 victory, marking their third win of the season.

In-form Christoffer Nyman scored to put the hosts ahead before Max Watson doubled their lead just before the break.

However, Sebastian Clemmensen narrowed the gap right after the hour mark, and then Max Fenger, whose earlier penalty was insufficient in their defeat to Hacken, struck twice in quick succession, clinching the game with another spot-kick.