Before the match, Djurgården were eighth and Linköping ninth in the table, both on 23 points. And both teams had been in a worse period and were without wins after the summer break. For Djurgården's part, the last win came on June 30.
At Stockholm Stadium, Djurgården showed that they are on their way out of the slump. This was largely thanks to the national team-merited new acquisitions and Tove Almqvist, who was behind the three goals in the first half.
The first goal came in the 19th minute when Pauline Hammarlund was unselfish and didn't shoot herself, but passed to Tove Almqvist, who set it 1-0. Almqvist was then involved in the preparation for Hammarlund's 2-0 seven minutes later.
"Get rewards"
And with a few minutes left until halftime, Mimmi Larsson could set 3-0 after a pass from Tove Almqvist.
It feels nice, above all that we go in (at halftime) with three goals and get rewards for our chances, says Hammarlund to Viaplay.
We utilize the spaces well and fill up with people we haven't done in previous matches.
Timing training
Stina-Lisa Johansson set 4-0 a quarter into the second half. And Larsson tapped in 5-0. Just like Hammarlund, she scored her first goals for Djurgården.
It was really nice, it was what was needed. Now it releases, says Larsson to Viaplay.
We've spent a lot of time this week on inlays and timing, it gave results today. Really fun. It was a fun day at work.
Lisa Björk and Polly Doran responded with Linköping's goals in the final minutes of the match.
Pauline Hammarlund moved home to Stockholm last summer after twelve years, most recently playing for Italian Fiorentina. And Mimmi Larsson, who left Rosengård in 2022, has since been in Kansas City and Leipzig.