For the third time in a short span, Häcken wanted to be a cut above Hammarby and steal a title from under the noses of the Stockholmers.
Häcken won the Swedish women's title last fall, with Bajen finishing second in the table. Just over two weeks ago, Häcken also won the final of the first edition of the European Cup.
Turned up the pace
Hammarby was therefore looking for quick revenge, and it got off to a promising start in front of the crowd at 3 Arena in Stockholm.
"Bajen" started a little stronger in a poor first half. The home team also had the most dangerous opportunity when Vilde Hasund played a pass to Svea Rehnberg in front of goal, but Rehnberg failed to get the ball into the net that time.
The final was goalless at halftime.
The goalkeeper stepped up
In the second half, Hammarby increased the tempo and created more dangerous opportunities. Vilde Hasund produced the biggest chance when she fired at goal, but the ball would not go in and in the subsequent situation Häcken's Aivi Lurik was able to clear the ball off the line.
In the final minutes of regular time, Häcken suddenly shifted into a higher gear. Super talent Felicia Schröder created two huge chances as Häcken's pressure kept increasing. But "Bajen" goalkeeper Melina Loeck held firm to the referee's whistle for full time and grew into one of the giants of the pitch.
Thriller
The score was 0-0 after regular time. The final turned into a real thriller and was decided after extra time.
There, Bajen took the lead in the second period of extra time. Norwegian Mari Nyhagen was in the right place in the penalty area after a tangled situation and was able to put the ball into the Hammarby net.
Häcken went for an equaliser at the end but could never really create any danger. Hammarby got their revenge and can once again call themselves Swedish Cup champions.
