Häcken has one foot in the European Conference League after a major win against Romanian Cluj in the first of two playoff matches. The Hisings team won with a whole 7–2 at home.
Cluj's coach Dan Petrescu was so dissatisfied with his team's result that he chose to resign directly after the match.
This was my last match. I had thought to step down after the return match, but I step down now. As a coach, I must take responsibility, says Petrescu at the press conference after the meeting.
Layouni with five assists
The goal scoring began as early as the second minute of the match through Simon Gustafson, and then it just kept going for Häcken.
At halftime, the score was 4–1 for the home team, after Amor Layouni made four almost incredible assists. In total, it became five for the 32-year-old in the match.
In the second half, the goal fest continued. 20-year-old John Paul Dembe was substituted in and accounted for two of Häcken's three goals in the second half, and Cluj's reduction helped little.
When you see the numbers, you might think that Cluj is a weak opponent, but they are absolutely not. We were good, we were active and played the football we should do, says Jens Gustafsson in Aftonbladet's broadcast.
"Terrible day"
Dan Petrescu was less pleased.
For the first time in my 25 years as a coach, my teams have never conceded seven goals, not even five. It's a terrible day for me and the club, he says.
I'm ashamed of the result.
In a week, the teams will meet again, then in Romania. The winner of the double meeting will play in the European Conference League's league phase in the fall.
