Few are blessed with winning a single title in their career and now Mjällby AIF has won two. You feel extremely grateful, happy," says Mjällby defender Tom Pettersson in Viaplay's broadcast.
"Second title ever. We are all proud and happy," he continues.
But it was Hammarby who pressed hard at the Strawberry Arena in Solna.
Reigning Swedish champions Mjällby were unable to get a grip on their pressing game and Hammarby established early pressure. In the sixth minute of the match, Hammarby midfielder Nahir Besara had a great chance at the edge of the penalty area. However, the shot was blocked for a corner.
World Cup call-up Stroud scored
Mjällby then pulled themselves together and in the 19th minute, fresh World Cup call-up Elliot Stroud showed why Sweden's national team coach Graham Potter chose him in the squad for this summer's championship.
The winger received a long ball in depth with a magnificent control and was able to easily slot home the opening goal, out of reach of Hammarby goalkeeper Warner Hahn.
However, Hammarby's response came lightning fast. Striker Paulos Abraham met a pass in the penalty area to level the score at 1–1, to the great joy of the majority of the 39,903 spectators.
Just before halftime, Mjällby regained the lead in the match for the Gustaf VI Adolf trophy. Jacob Bergström found the net after a perfect pass from Jeppe Kjær.
The final was the first since 2014 to be decided on a neutral field. This was after the Swedish Football Association granted both clubs' requests to play on a neutral field instead of drawing lots for the venue.
In the second half, Hammarby pushed for an equalizer in an attempt to take the final to extra time. But the Stockholm team never came closer than a shot on the crossbar from Montader Madjed.
No penalty
Just before the final whistle, things got dramatic. Mjällby's Viktor Gustafson was shown a red card and, in the final stages, Hammarby appealed for a penalty when Abraham fell in the penalty area, but the referee did not award one.
Wild scenes of joy erupted among Mjällby's players, who rushed towards the arena's north stands to celebrate with the yellow-and-black-clad supporters who had arrived.
The cup title is Mjällby's first in history. The Allsvenskan championship title last year was the club's first SM gold.
Hammarby will have to wait longer for their second cup title. The first came in 2021 after a final victory against Häcken.
