Blue-yellow final set in the European Cup

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Blue-yellow final set in the European Cup
Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

Häcken was outplayed in the semi-final second leg against Frankfurt, but the German win was not enough to break the Hisingen side.

It was only 0–1, and thus Häcken is in the final, 3–1 on aggregate.

A little later, Hammarby also secured a place in the final after a 2–0 win (5–2 on aggregate) against Sparta Prague.

This means an all-Swedish final awaits, between the teams that will also meet in the final of the Swedish Cup on May 16.

"I think it's very strong. We will have a Swedish team that wins the European Cup," says Häcken coach Elena Sadiku.

However, she doesn't like the final being decided over two legs.

"A final should be a final, not two games. But we get to face Hammarby many times now. It's a good start to the season."

"Very fired up"

Häcken had a three-goal margin from the first leg when the comeback attempt began on Maundy Thursday evening. It was enough after a fighting effort and a long series of blocked shots and last-second clearances.

"We have fought so hard, both away and at home," says Felicia Schröder.

"Now we have two matches against 'Bajen'. It will be fun. We know how they play; it's nice to know who you're facing."

Hammarby had a slightly easier route after the narrow 3–2 away win. In the return match in front of the home crowd, Fanny Peterson put the score at 1–0 after just over half an hour, before Vilde Hasund finally decided the tie early in the second half.

"We are very excited. It's incredible. A final in Europe is very big and it's fun to meet Häcken too," says the Norwegian in an Aftonbladet broadcast.

"Clearly bitter"

For the Swedish duo Amanda Ilestedt and Rebecka Blomqvist, however, it was a tough evening. The Frankfurt players prepared for the match by watching video clips of other "football wonders".

That led to heavy German pressure for almost the entire match, but only one goal.

After just over half an hour, the ball ended up with German national team striker Nicole Anyomi, who turned away the Häcken defence and scored the opening goal.

The big club didn't get any closer than that.

"Given how the match went, that we pressed all the time, it certainly feels sour," says Amanda Ilestedt.

Two Swedish teams in the final, what do you think about that?

"It's a tough question considering I would have loved to be in that final. But of course it's good for Swedish football."

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By TT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers

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