Last season’s runners-up, Djurgarden, have been eliminated from the 2024/25 Svenska Cupen after relinquishing a 2-1 advantage at home against IFK Goteborg, ultimately losing 4-3 in a must-win encounter on the final matchday of the Group Stage.
The Stockholm outfit commenced the day trailing Group 4 leaders Goteborg by two points, fully aware that only the group winners would progress to the Quarter-finals.
However, they found themselves in a precarious position early on, conceding in the 12th minute when Imam Jagne was left unmarked at the edge of the six-yard box, easily converting with his header.
The Blue Stripes responded effectively and went ahead by the 40-minute mark through a well-executed strike under pressure from Nino Zugelj. Oskar Fallenius then turned in the rebound after IFK’s defensive slip-up deep in their half.
Unfortunately for Djurgarden, they couldn’t maintain their lead into the half-time break, as the visitors equalised in the dying moments. Goalkeeper Jacob Rinne failed to secure Eman Markovic’s shot, spilling the ball to Max Fenger, who slotted it home from close range.
In a twist midway through the second half, the advantage swung back to The Angels when Fenger found himself in the right place again, netting his second tap-in of the match.
With four minutes remaining, Thomas Santos capped off the victory, ensuring Goteborg progressed with a perfect record of three wins from three matches, marking their return to the last eight for the first time since 2022.
Coincidentally, that was also the last time Djurgarden did not reach the quarter-finals.
In an additional twist, Keita Kosugi’s cross sailed into the net untouched in the 96th minute, completing the scoring.
Meanwhile, the other match in Group 4 saw Sandviken leap off the bottom with a narrow 1-0 win over Oddevold, who finished the group with a mere point.
Defending Champions Malmo Advance
Allsvenskan and Svenska Cupen holders Malmo have safely secured their spot in the quarter-finals, also finishing with maximum points after a convincing 3-0 victory against Vasteras SK in Group 1.
Former Brentford player Pontus Jansson opened the scoring early in the second half, and when Erik Botheim doubled the lead six minutes later, any hopes of an upset from the Superettan side dwindled.
Lasse Berg Johnsen sealed the deal for the champions in the 73rd minute.
Utsikten’s 2-1 victory over Skovde AIK ensured they secured third place, finishing three points behind Vasteras.
Mjallby also claimed a spot in the quarter-finals, dominating Group 5 with a stylish 3-0 win in a winner-takes-all clash against Halmstad.
The team from Hallevik had to exercise patience, but once Abdoulie Manneh scored just before the hour mark, the floodgates opened. Jakob Kiilerich added a second, and Tom Pettersson finished the scoring late on, ensuring they held a perfect record with 12 goals scored and none conceded across their group matches.
10-man Landskrona took the minor places, defeating Gefle 3-1.
In a surprising turn, Group 6 also featured a decisive showdown for the top position, with Norrkoping triumphing over GAIS 3-0 in Gothenburg.
Tim Prica broke the deadlock before half-time, followed by quick goals from David Moberg Karlsson and Christoffer Nyman in the closing minutes, capping a perfect afternoon for the visitors.
Karlbergs’ 2-1 victory at Orebro secured them third place in the group.
Wrapping up the final round of group stage matches, Trelleborgs from the second tier continued their fairytale run, clinching a 1-0 away win at Degerfors to top Group 3, two points clear of AIK.
The following day, Elfsborg held off their Allsvenskan counterparts Brommapojkarna with a 1-1 draw at home, securing their place at the top of Group 7.
Group 8 turned out to be the most closely contested, with Hacken edging ahead on goal difference against both Oster and Sirius, with all three finishing with six points.
Sirius managed to defeat Hacken 2-0 on the final matchday, but Hacken’s earlier wins by three goals in their first two matches were enough to see them through with a goal difference of +4.
Sirius concluded with a goal difference of zero, while Oster finished second with +1, only managing a 1-0 win against Helsingborg.
The Group Stage will conclude tomorrow with the final matches of Group 2. Leaders Hammarby are just one point behind Kalmar, whom they will be hosting. Stockholm Internazionale sits in third place on goal difference and will face eliminated Varberg.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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