But it was Kalmar who started best at Gamla Ullevi, when Charlie Rosenqvist gave the visitors the lead after just nine minutes.
The cold shower did not shake the home team, and it only took four minutes before David Kruse headed in the equaliser.
After the explosive start, a quieter spell followed until a crazy final quarter of the match.
Sam Larsson made it 2-1 from the penalty spot in the 75th minute and then set up Alfons Boren's 3-1 goal five minutes later.
Charles Sagoe Junior set up nerves in the match with a 3-2 reduction. But it would turn out to be a consolation goal, Gothenburg held on and won the match.
The victory means that IFK Göteborg move up to tenth place in the table, one point ahead of Kalmar.
In the parallel match, Gais beat table-toppers Halmstad 2-0.
