Hungary took control early on and it didn't take long before they led by four goals.
Sweden could temporarily reduce the distance after half of the half, but soon Hungary pulled away again.
At halftime, the score was 16-13 in favor of Hungary.
The second half didn't get any more enjoyable. After several Swedish shots hit the post, crossbar, and many great saves by Hungarian goalkeeper Zsòfi Szemerey, the home team led by ten goals with ten minutes left.
Szemerey was later named the match's player.
Sweden could narrow the gap in the final minutes, but there was great disappointment among the Swedish players after the final whistle.
It feels like there's some kind of collective collapse. We usually win these kinds of matches against teams at about the same level, but not today, says Jamina Roberts in Viaplay.
The loss in the key match means a tougher road ahead in the tournament. It's positive to have an advantage in head-to-head matches against top teams when the final table is formed in the main round.
Moreover, Sweden will likely need to win against favored France in the intermediate round to reach the semifinal.
Now we need to move on somewhere. The tournament is still open, there are teams that can cause trouble for others. We're not eliminated in any way. I think the players will have a strong desire for revenge, says national team coach Tomas Axnér.
Sweden's upcoming group stage match:
2/12: Turkey (20.30)
Sweden plays its group stage and potential intermediate round in Debrecen, Hungary. The two top teams in six four-team groups advance to the intermediate round, where two six-team groups are created.
The two top teams in the six-team groups advance to the semifinal, which, like the medal matches, is played in Vienna, Austria.
The European Championship continues until December 15.
