After 0–0 from the first meeting in Stockholm, Hammarby traveled to Belgium for the return match in the second qualifying round of the Europa Conference League.
The initial minutes of the match were characterized by difficult conditions. The pitch was heavily waterlogged and made it difficult for both teams to get a organized game going. Passes were slowed down in puddles and the ball was sometimes difficult to control.
"Very shocked"
I am very shocked that those who decide allow the match to start, said expert Mikael Stahre in Aftonbladet's match broadcast.
After just over 20 minutes, however, Hammarby found their way. Oscar Johansson Schellas made a fine preparatory work on the right flank and played diagonally backwards to Jusef Erabi, who distinctly pressed in 1–0.
When the referee blew for halftime, "Bajen" was thus standing with one foot in the next qualifying round.
But just a few minutes into the second half came the cold shower. After a clearance attempt from Hammarby, Charleroi's Nikola Stulic picked up the ball and shot, via a Hammarby leg, and 1–1 was a fact.
Extra time thriller
The draw result stood throughout regular time and extra time drama awaited.
It began eventless. Closest to a Hammarby goal came Paulos Abraham when Nahir Besara served the outside forward who finished on the goalkeeper. The rebound rushed Erabi forward but the angle became too narrow and the finish went just outside.
The double meeting was heading for penalties when only a minute remained of extra time.
Then Hammarby got a free kick high up in the pitch. Victor Eriksson met it with his head and knocked the ball into the far post to 2–1, which also became the final result.
It's crazy! It was a big moment for me. This week, playing four matches in ten days and turning around twice, and now turning around here - It's a week that has been fantastic for both me and my players, says Hammarby coach Kim Hellberg to Aftonbladet after the match.
Hammarby advances with the win to the third qualifying round. There, Norwegian Rosenborg awaits.
