AIK took on Häcken at home at Strawberry arena on Sunday in a match with clear contrasts in importance in advance.
For "Gnaget" it was about important points in the hunt for a European spot next season – while the guests from Hisingen in practice played without major pressure in the middle of the Allsvenskan table.
It was still a tough start for the home team. Already after ten minutes, Häcken got a reward when central defender Filip Helander stayed up front on a corner and headed in 1–0.
"Nothing to do in Europe"
AIK responded quickly, however. Erik Flataker scored the equalizer and shortly afterwards a own goal completed the turnaround to 2–1 – a result that also stood the test of the first half.
In the second half, AIK failed to defend their lead. Häcken managed to play through several times, often through midfielder Mikkel Rygaard's left foot, and the dangers would arise.
The guests managed to miss a penalty after a superb save by AIK's goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt before Adrian Svanbäck could score 2–2, which became the final result. Tough for the Stockholmers in the hunt for a European spot.
No, Europe is nothing we should think about. We are far too bad. We have nothing to do in Europe, says a disappointed AIK central defender, Sotirios Papagiannopoulos, to HBO Max.
Suspended from the side
In connection with the penalty situation for Häcken, AIK's striker John Guidetti was warned from the sideline where he was warming up and is therefore suspended in the next round.
IFK Göteborg had no worries at all to keep up in the fight for European spots away against Halmstad.
Tobias Heintz, Kolbeinn Thordarson and young Benjamin Brantlind scored one goal each in a match that "Blåvitt" controlled from start to finish.
AIK slips down to seventh place in the Allsvenskan table with the draw. IFK Göteborg is now fourth.
Malmö FF can however pass if the team beats Hammarby at home tomorrow. Gais holds third place.
