Djurgården would defeat Varberg and put pressure on Malmö FF in the Allsvenskan gold battle on Sunday, many thought. But that did not happen. The blue-spirited fell at home at Tele2 Arena, which means that Kim Bergstrand’s and Thomas Lagerlöf’s men can not win the title if MFF beats Kalmar on Sunday.
It was Djurgården who created the most goal chances in the first half, but it was Varberg who found the net.
In the 33rd minute, Alexander Johansson nodded in 1-0 at the front post on a corner.
– We really did it, commented Djurgården’s coach Kim Bergstrand for Discovery + during the break.
After that, Djurgården came to two dangerous finishes that Varberg’s goalkeeper Philip Mårtensson saved, and in extra time there was a dream situation to score for the gold-chasing home team. Haris Radetinac was caught in the offensive penalty area and arranged a penalty, but it also refused Mårtensson to let go. The king of points, Magnus Eriksson’s attempt was saved by Varberg’s goalkeeper.
Early in the second half, Edward Chilufya nodded in a post from Haris Radetinac to 1-1, and then Djurgården looked to be heading for an important turn in the hunt for the Swedish Championship gold. But instead they went on two new cold showers.
In the 55th minute Ryan Moon made it 2-1 to Varberg after a corner, and in the 61st minute Albin Winbo put in 3-1 to the guests. The substitute was completely clean after a counterattack.
Djurgården created a series of dangers after the away team’s third goal, but the end was either misdirected or saved by Varberg players. For example, a Hjalmar Ekdal nod was cleared away at the finish line.
In extra time, a late reduction goal came when Joel Asoro stayed ahead in the penalty area, but more than that Djurgården did not have time.
– It is tedious. It feels too damn good, says Djurgården’s Haris Radetinac to Discovery +.
– We let in far too cheap goals. They had three chances and scored three goals. It must not happen if you are to win gold. It’s too bad and too easy.
In the Varberg camp, there were all the happier faces.
– We will have a real party bus tonight, says Bois coach Joakim Persson to Discovery +.
Magnus Eriksson to Discovery +:
– It’s heavy. We controlled it quite well but they scored three goals on us at home, it is not good enough.
Eriksson was punctuated by various Varberg players throughout the match.
– I may be making my worst match for this year so it’s just lifting my hat and saying that they succeeded.
It was a 3-2 loss for Djurgården, which now risks ending up outside the top three. Should Malmö defeat Kalmar on Sunday night, Djurgården can not win gold, and in addition, MFF in such cases has the opportunity to become “champion in jacket” on Monday. A cross between Elfsborg and AIK makes that scenario come true. Djurgården has one point down to AIK and two points down to Elfsborg.
Djurgården’s team: Jacob Widell Zetterström – Haris Radetinac, Jacob Une Larsson (Emmanuel Banda 74), Hjalmar Ekdal, Elliot Käck – Hampus Finndell, Rasmus Schüller, Magnus Eriksson – Edward Chilufya, Kalle Holmberg (Emir Kujovic 62), Nicklas Bärkroth (Albion Ademi 62) .
Varberg’s team: Philip Mårtensson – Joakim Lindner, Oliver Stanisic, Hampus Zackrisson – Gideon Mensah (Ryan Moon 28), Luke Le Roux (Robin Tranberg 60), Albert Ejupi, Alexander Johansson (Des Kunst 74) – Victor Karlsson (Albin Winbo 60), Robin Simovic, Tashreeq Matthews (Oliver Afonsi 60).
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