Allsvenskan Midweek: Malmö Regains Momentum with Victory over Öster

Malmo revitalised their Allsvenskan title defence with a 2-0 triumph over Oster at Eleda Stadion, snapping a run of disappointing results that had seen them accumulate just two points from their last three matches. Newly-promoted Oster find themselves at risk of being labelled “strugglers” as they linger in the relegation zone with a mere three points to their name.

Mixed reactions followed Malmo’s draws against AIK and Sirius due to their opponents’ varying performances early in the season, but there were no silver linings to find in their recent 2-0 defeat to Hammarby last week.

Determined to rectify their previous shortcomings on home turf, Henrik Rydstrom’s team faced a tough task. Although they controlled less possession during the first half, their creativity in attack was markedly superior.

They broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when a low cross from the right by Otto Rosengren created chaos in the Oster box, leading to Hugo Bolin finishing off the move at the back post.

Despite the home crowd hoping for a goal spree, this optimism was misplaced, as the visitors had shown resilience despite their struggles, having only conceded three goals in their last four matches. By half-time, Oster looked on track for a fourth consecutive 1-0 loss.

The prospect of a repeating scoreline was dashed just 46 seconds into the second half, though, sadly for the visitors, the turn of events didn’t unfold as they had wished.

Busanello surged down the left flank and delivered a pass to Bolin inside the box. Bolin raced to the byline and squared the ball for Isaac Kiese Thelin, who made no mistake with a simple finish.

This was the sole shot on target for either side throughout the second half until the dying moments, but for Malmo, it was job done, securing their winless streak didn’t extend beyond any of their previous ones from last year’s Allsvenskan.

Despite scoring fewer goals than any other team in the upper half of the table, a third clean sheet of the season has propelled Malmo to fourth place in the standings, though they remain five points adrift of leaders AIK.

On the other hand, the Vaxjo side continues to chase their first league victory over Malmo since 2006, as well as their first point on the road since earning promotion.