06 October 2014
Congratulations are in order for the Bianconeri’s Champions League Group A opponents, Malmo, who wrapped up their 21st Allsvenskan title with a 3-2 win away at AIK Stockholm on Sunday evening.
With nearest challengers IFK Goteborg comprehensively beaten by relegation-threatened Norrkoping earlier in the day, Age Hareide’s men knew that three more points would allow them to become the first side to win back-to-back title since Djurgardens in 2002/03.
It looked to be a formality as two strikes, six minutes either side of half-time from Isaac Kiese Thelin and Magnus Eriksson, left them in cruise control.
But a spirited AIK, led by Nabil Bahoui's goals midway through the second-half and five minutes from time, threatened to put Malmo’s celebratory champagne on ice as they restored parity in thrilling fashion.
They were only level for sixty seconds, however, as Malmo captain and Markus Rosenberg turned in to cap off an intriguing affair and in the process, reconfirm Hareide’s side as champions of Sweden.
Elsewhere, Olympiacos did not feature this weekend as Greek fixtures were suspended as a mark of respect for the death of Ethnikos Piraeus supporter Kostas Katsoulis.
The 46-year-old had suffered serious head injuries following clashes with opposition fans whilst watching his side in action during a third division encounter with Irodotos on 15 September.
After spending three weeks in a coma, Katsoulis died in the early hours of September 29 and the Greek government took the decision to postpone all league games scheduled for the first weekend of October. The rearranged dates will be confirmed in due course.
