Elfsborg took new points in the European Championship – Holten the hero

Elfsborg were heading for a defeat in the European Championship League. Then Emil Holten scored a late equalizing goal – and secured a point against Braga. Of course, I'm very happy, says Holten to Disney+.

» Published:

Elfsborg took new points in the European Championship – Holten the hero
Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

Share this article

A little over a month has passed since Elfsborg last had European visitors at Borås Arena. Then, the Borås team pulled off a sensational victory over Italian Roma – which earned three points and a much-needed boost in the Europa League's new league format.

This time, it was close to going wrong just three minutes in when goalkeeper Isak Petterson was forced to make a high-class save on Roberto Fernández's shot from close range.

Instead, the evening ended in a new success.

What looked like it would end in defeat – after an unfortunate own goal – turned into another point earned. For with just a few minutes left of regular playing time, Emil Holten scored 1–1 after a low cross from Gottfrid Rapp.

He gives me a brilliant ball. I'm so happy for my first goal in Europe, says Holten to Disney+.

Hult a hair's breadth from open goal

Swedish November chill and a thick fog awaited Braga on Thursday evening.

It didn't seem to bother the Portuguese team, however, which initially controlled the game with quick passes and a lot of ball possession.

Elfsborg, on the other hand, worked their way into the game as time went on.

In the second half, Arber Zeneli was a hair's breadth from playing Niklas Hult through to an open goal. But in the last second, a Braga defender got a foot on the ball.

Ouma unlucky

After a little over an hour, the free kick variant came, which more resembled a classic bandy corner. With a lot of luck, captain Ricardo Horta managed to score 1–0 via Elfsborg midfielder Timothy Ouma, who was also credited with the unfortunate own goal.

After Holten's equalizer, the Borås team also pushed for a winning goal. But that never came – the match ended in a draw.

They're a good team, but in the end, we could even make it 2–1. But we have to be satisfied with a point after falling behind, says Emil Holten.

For Elfsborg's part, Athletic Bilbao and Qarabag await before the year-end, before the Europa League group stage concludes with matches against Nice and Tottenham in January.

25 September: AZ Alkmaar-Elfsborg, 3–2.

3 October: Elfsborg-Roma, 1–0.

23 October: Galatasaray-Elfsborg, 4–3.

7 November: Elfsborg-Braga, 1–1.

28 November: Athletic Bilbao-Elfsborg.

12 December: Elfsborg-Qarabag.

23 January: Elfsborg-Nice.

30 January: Tottenham-Elfsborg.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Tom Brady Returns to Play Flag Football in Saudi Arabia 2026

Tom Brady Returns to Play Flag Football in Saudi Arabia 2026

Duplantis Celebrated Globally for Historic Pole Vault Achievement

Duplantis Celebrated Globally for Historic Pole Vault Achievement

Leidhammar's Goal Leads Norrköping to Victory Over Djurgården

Leidhammar's Goal Leads Norrköping to Victory Over Djurgården

Heintz Leads Göteborg to 2-1 Victory Over Häcken Despite Criticism

Heintz Leads Göteborg to 2-1 Victory Over Häcken Despite Criticism

16-Year-Old Kevin Filling Secures AIK's Victory in Stockholm Derby

16-Year-Old Kevin Filling Secures AIK's Victory in Stockholm Derby

Italian Skier Matteo Franzoso Dies After Training Crash

Italian Skier Matteo Franzoso Dies After Training Crash

NHL Legend Ed Giacomin Passes Away at 86

NHL Legend Ed Giacomin Passes Away at 86

Duplantis Sets World Record and Wins Gold at Tokyo Championships

Duplantis Sets World Record and Wins Gold at Tokyo Championships

Duplantis Wins Twelve Gold Medals from Berlin to Tokyo

Duplantis Wins Twelve Gold Medals from Berlin to Tokyo

Sam Kendricks Praises Armand Duplantis' Pole Vault Record

Sam Kendricks Praises Armand Duplantis' Pole Vault Record

Armand Duplantis Sets 14th Pole Vault World Record

Armand Duplantis Sets 14th Pole Vault World Record

El Bakkali Loses World Championship Gold in Final Meters

El Bakkali Loses World Championship Gold in Final Meters

Swedes in Top Teams as Men's Champions League Kicks Off

Swedes in Top Teams as Men's Champions League Kicks Off

Pihlström Advances to 1,500m Final at World Championship in Tokyo

Pihlström Advances to 1,500m Final at World Championship in Tokyo

Armand Duplantis Wins Third World Championship Gold with New Record

Armand Duplantis Wins Third World Championship Gold with New Record

Thobias Montler Advances to World Championship Final Seeking Redemption

Thobias Montler Advances to World Championship Final Seeking Redemption

Pro-Palestinian Protests Disrupt Tour of Spain Cycling Race

Pro-Palestinian Protests Disrupt Tour of Spain Cycling Race

Edlund Sets Personal Best to Reach World Championship Semifinal

Edlund Sets Personal Best to Reach World Championship Semifinal

Andreas Almgren Reflects on Dreamlike Day After World Championship Bronze

Andreas Almgren Reflects on Dreamlike Day After World Championship Bronze

Swedish Duo Seeks Redemption in Tokyo at Athletics World Championship

Swedish Duo Seeks Redemption in Tokyo at Athletics World Championship