AIK defeated IFK Norrköping 1-0 in the opening match of the Damallsvenskan season, with the decisive goal coming early in the third minute. Nova Selin scored the goal by heading in Linda Sembrant's cross, giving AIK an immediate advantage in a tightly contested fixture. The victory marked a strong start for AIK, who finished eighth in the previous season, while IFK Norrköping, who placed fifth last year, faced an early setback in their campaign.
The match was played at Skytteholms IP in Solna and started at 13:00, drawing attention as the season's curtain-raiser. Multiple reports indicate that Nova Selin scored the fastest goal of the season in Damallsvenskan, a notable achievement for the young player. At 17 years old, Selin's early strike not only secured the win but also highlighted her rising prominence in the league, adding a record-breaking element to the match's narrative.
We wanted to restart the attack, but Linda hit a cross that I headed in. I don't know if it was a mistake by the goalkeeper, but I could head it into an open goal.
According to SVT Sport, Nova Selin described the goal sequence, noting that the team wanted to restart the attack before Sembrant delivered the cross. She added that she did not need to look up to know the ball was coming, emphasizing her anticipation and coordination with teammates. The goal's execution raised questions about whether the goalkeeper made a mistake, as Selin headed it into an open goal, but the exact nature of any error remains unconfirmed.
The match was intense with many hard duels, leading to differing perspectives on the physical play. IFK Norrköping thought AIK players fell too easily, while AIK players thought IFK Norrköping played too dirty, according to player accounts. According to SVT Sport, Nova Selin described the opposition as going really hard and dirty, though AIK considers themselves a physical team that wins duels.
I don't even need to look up. I know the ball is coming.
The exact nature and severity of the fouls have not been detailed by officials, leaving room for interpretation among observers. In the second half, it was close to 2-0, according to an official source, indicating that AIK had additional scoring opportunities that nearly extended their lead. These near-misses added to the match's tension, with IFK Norrköping struggling to equalize against a resilient AIK defense.
The narrow margin kept the outcome uncertain until the final whistle, underscoring the competitive balance between the teams despite the early goal. IFK Norrköping lost several players during the winter transfer window, including Wilma Leidhammar, Vesna Milivojevic, and Svea Rehnberg, according to multiple reports. To bolster their squad, Josefin Harrysson joined IFK Norrköping from Växjö DFF on Monday, as confirmed by sources.
We are a physical team and win the duels, but they go really hard and dirty.
The extent of these player losses and how they will impact the team's season performance is unclear, with new signings like Harrysson expected to integrate quickly under pressure. The home audience thought referee Tess Olofsson lost control of the match, according to attendees, though a neutral assessment of her performance has not been provided. AIK has stated they aim higher this year, according to the club, reflecting ambitions to improve upon last season's eighth-place finish.
According to Fotbollskanalen, Matilda Kristell described IFK Norrköping's disappointment with the loss, having fantasized about a different result, while noting the team has many new players and expects to improve over time. In other opening matches, BK Häcken won the opening match of Damallsvenskan against Brommapojkarna with a score of 3-2, according to major media reports. Felicia Schröder scored BK Häcken's first goal of the season in Damallsvenskan, as reported by multiple sources, giving her team an early lead.
They heard a few well-chosen words at halftime.
Brommapojkarna equalized in stoppage time of the first half to make it 1-1, according to major media, setting up a competitive second half. Substitute Paulina Nyström scored to make it 2-1 for BK Häcken in the second half, according to major media reports, shifting momentum back in their favor. BK Häcken extended their lead to 3-1 in the 79th minute from a corner by Alva Selerud, scored by Stine Sandbech, as detailed by multiple sources.
Brommapojkarna scored to make it 3-2 in the 85th minute from an own goal by BK Häcken's Emma Östlund, finished by Ida Bengtsson, according to major media, but could not complete a comeback. BK Häcken plays a Europa Cup semifinal return leg at home against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday, according to major media reports, adding European commitments to their domestic schedule. According to Expressen Sport, Anna Anvegård described the team hearing a few well-chosen words at halftime, indicating internal adjustments during the match.
I know exactly which areas Anna Anvegård looks for and it's comfortable to play with her.
Felicia Schröder noted she knows exactly which areas Anvegård looks for, making it comfortable to play with her, but expressed dissatisfaction with the first half's sloppy play, emphasizing the need for improvement. Eskilstuna United won their return match to Damallsvenskan against Vittsjö with a score of 2-1, according to major media reports, marking a successful comeback to the top division. Rylie Combs scored the winning goal for Eskilstuna United in the 94th minute with a header, as confirmed by multiple sources, securing a dramatic late victory.
Both of Eskilstuna United's goals were scored from corners, according to major media, highlighting a strategic emphasis on set-pieces in their gameplay. Eskilstuna United was relegated due to financial problems before the 2023 season, according to major media, though the specific reasons for those financial issues have not been disclosed. The team won Elitettan last season, as reported by major media, earning promotion back to Damallsvenskan after a year in the second tier.
We are not satisfied at all with the first half, being too sloppy offensively and defensively, and need to talk about it.
According to Sportbladet, Rylie Combs described the winning goal as a fun and awesome moment, expressing happiness to experience it with her team, and noted Eskilstuna had a flying start before losing momentum but regained it decisively. Eskilstuna United aims to establish themselves in Damallsvenskan this season, according to Rylie Combs, reflecting ambitions to avoid relegation and build a stable presence. Their dramatic return, fueled by corner-based goals and late heroics, sets a positive tone for their campaign despite past financial struggles.
The team's history of relegation adds context to their current efforts, with players and staff focused on securing their place in the league. IFK Norrköping's next match is against Malmö FF at home, offering an early opportunity to rebound from the opening loss. This fixture will test their adjusted roster and tactical responses after a challenging start against AIK.
I am very disappointed with our performance, the first half is not up to Häcken's standard, and the only thing to take away is three points as the effort was not approved.
According to Fotbollskanalen, Josefin Harrysson described the opening match as typical, suggesting such games are part of the season's rhythm, while the team looks ahead to improve results.
It was a fun and awesome moment to score the winning goal, and I was very happy to experience it with my team.
Eskilstuna had a flying start before losing momentum but regained it, which was decisive.
IFK Norrköping had fantasized about a different result and were disappointed with the loss.
The team has many new players and expects to improve over time.
It was a typical opening match.