Most of the pre-game talk had been about one thing. Would Hammarby set a new attendance record? The answer was yes.
The 20,428 spectators present under the roof of the Tele2 Arena were an improvement on the team's previous record figure: 18,537 in the derby against AIK in 2021.
Finally, it's happened after three years, notes "Bajen" captain Carlsson.
It's a perfect day to do it against a big team like City, she continues.
Shaw put on a show
The large crowd on hand saw Hammarby come out with a lot of energy in the Champions League match. Attacking star Cathinka Tandberg tried a shot from distance that just went wide, and a little later Ellen Wangerheim headed a cross just outside.
A lot of Hammarby, but no home goal.
Instead? 1–0 to the visitors from Manchester.
Forward Khadija Shaw pressed on from distance, the shot touched a "Bajen" leg and fooled goalkeeper Anna Tamminen. After the goal, Shaw stretched out her arms in front of the packed home stands – something that wasn't appreciated. Shaw received loud boos and was also shown the yellow card. On TV images afterwards, you could also see how Shaw was hit by a coin.
In the second half, Hammarby scored an early equalizer. Wangerheim stayed onside on a cross and steered in the equalizer in front of a jubilant home crowd. But the Hammarby joy didn't last long. For just four minutes later, Shaw got the ball outside the penalty area and thundered in 2–1 to City.
A goal that became the last of the match.
"Can hold our heads high"
I think we can hold our heads high here. We're giving the crowd an incredible performance. But you're also a bit tired of talking about honorable losses. When we put in a performance like this, I think we should have more than what we get today. But all credit to them for singing and backing us for 90 plus, says Carlsson.
She adds:
They're incredible. I love every single one of them.
With the loss, it seems almost certain that Hammarby's European adventure will end in the group stage. Barcelona won away against S:t Pölten with 4–1 and Hammarby has six points to make up to the last qualifying spot and a crushing 0–9 deficit in the head-to-head matchup from the first match against Barcelona. Two matches remain in the group stage.
20,428 people: Hammarby–Manchester City, Champions League, 2024, Tele2 Arena (1–2)
18,537: Hammarby–AIK, Damallsvenskan, 2021, Tele2 Arena (4–1).
17,623: Hammarby–Häcken, Swedish Cup final, 2023, Tele2 Arena (3–0).
15,033: Hammarby–Häcken, Damallsvenskan, 2023, Tele2 Arena (3–2).
12,830: Hammarby–Djurgården, Damallsvenskan, 2023, Tele2 Arena (1–0).
12,062: Hammarby–Benfica, Champions League qualifying, 2024, Tele2 Arena (1–2).
9,413: Linköping–Umeå, Damallsvenskan, 2008, Folkungavallen (1–4),
8,978: Hammarby–Djurgården, Damallsvenskan, 2022, Tele2 Arena (3–0).
8,907: Umeå–Djurgården/Älvsjö, Damallsvenskan, 2004, Gammliavallen (2–3).
Source: Swedish Football Association, obosdamallsvenskan.se.
