Allsvenskan 2020
Helsingborgs IF - AIK (2 - 0)
Match in Allsvenskan 2020
Match start: 2020-07-12 at 14:30
Venue: Olympia, Helsingborg
On Sunday afternoon, Helsingborgs IF and AIK faced each other at Olympia in Helsingborg in front of a silent arena without any spectators due to the prevailing circumstances. The referee for the match was Glenn Nyberg, with Mahbod Beigi and Mikael Hallin serving as assistant referees.
Before the match began, Helsingborgs IF found themselves in a tricky situation as they had yet to secure a single win in this year's league. Given the team's form, it looked set to be a tough match.
The match started relatively evenly, with both teams having their chances. Helsingborgs IF defended well and kept AIK at bay. However, in the 45th minute, Helsingborg's Max Svensson received a yellow card for a tough tackle.
At the start of the second half, AIK made a substitution, bringing on Rasmus Lindkvist for Tom Strannegård. AIK's coach was likely hoping to inject some offensive flair to create more opportunities. Just a few minutes later, AIK made two more substitutions, with Saku Ylätupa and Robert Lundström entering the game in place of Heradi Rashidi and Stefan Silva. They were probably hoping these changes would give the team renewed energy.
In the 68th minute, the deadlock was broken when Helsingborgs IF took a 1-0 lead. Alex Timossi Andersson scored the goal with a header, assisted by Anthony van den Hurk. This was a major relief for Helsingborgs IF, who finally took the lead and scored their first league goal of the year.
AIK gave their all to secure at least a point from the match, but their joy was short-lived as Sebastian Larsson received a yellow card in the 73rd minute. AIK then made two more substitutions, bringing on Enock Kofi Adu and Felix Michel for Sebastian Larsson and Eric Kahl in the 78th minute.
Helsingborgs IF responded with two substitutions of their own, with Filip Sjöberg and Mohammed Abubakari replacing Alex Timossi Andersson and Rasmus Jönsson in the 80th and 82nd minutes, respectively. This proved to be a smart move as Filip Sjöberg assisted Anthony van den Hurk in the 83rd minute, allowing Helsingborgs IF to double their lead to 2-0.
At the end of the match, Helsingborgs IF made a final substitution, bringing on Assad Al Hamlawi for Anthony van den Hurk in the 89th minute. The match ended 2-0 in favor of Helsingborgs IF, marking their first victory of the season. A significant triumph for the team that surprised both players and fans.
AIK were disappointed with the loss and could do little but accept the result. On the other hand, Helsingborgs IF can celebrate having finally secured their first three points of the season, which hopefully can provide them with new energy and motivation heading into future matches.