In the previous round, Mjällby won over Malmö FF (1–0). But against Elfsborg, the Bleking team was never close to a bang.
It was uneventful at Borås’ arena for 36 minutes. Then Elfsborg basically punctuated the match in just under four minutes.
Sloppy play
Mjällby is known for prioritizing the defensive game and usually does not offer the opponents anything unnecessarily. Colin Rösler’s decision to play from the penalty area with a half-short and slightly misdirected pass in the center of the court was an exception. He probably aimed at Jesper Gustavsson, who also slipped.
Elfsborg broke easily. Two quick passes and then Sveinn Gudjohnsen had an easy job of putting the ball in the net.
Three minutes later, Mjällby scored a corner. Elfsborg’s goalkeeper Hákon Valdimarsson went out and picked it up. Then he threw the ball out to a running Jeppe Okkels. It was similar to a handball counterattack.
Okkels sprinted 60 meters with ball control and then rolled diagonally backwards. Michael Baidoo sent 2–0 into the net.
The second half was undramatic. Elfsborg is skilled at playing in the lead. Some quick attacks came close to producing a third goal.
Consolidates the series lead
With a quarter of an hour left, Mjällby was offered a chance when Buhari Ibrahim was careless, but Valdimarsson was quickly out and made himself big when Max Fenger finished. The Dane also had a sharp shot in added time, but Valdimarsson got his left arm out.
“Elfsborg is Sweden’s best team”, sang the Guligans in the western stands.
The Allsvenskan’s table supports that view.
Because Djurgården managed 0-0 in Malmö, league leader Elfsborg increased the distance to MFF, who are now three points behind in third place.
Häcken is just one point behind Elfsborg. That after the Hisings team arranged the victory against Sirius (3–2) in the last extra seconds.