AIK’s Europe bid stays alive after 1-1 draw with GAIS
In a pivotal Allsvenskan clash at the National Arena, AIK hosted GAIS with European qualification hopes on the line. The home side were without captain and national team midfielder Anton Salétros, and Aron Csongvai stepped in from the bench after two appearances on the sidelines. The match quickly took on a tense, end-to-end mood as both teams fought to keep their continental dreams intact.
First half: AIK strike early, GAIS edge ahead at the break
AIK struck first blood after ten minutes when Ibrahim Diabate ran in behind the GAIS defense and tucked the ball past Kristoffer Nordfeldt’s near post for 1-0. The goal gave Diabate a timely high, moving him into a share of the league’s goalscoring chase, and it briefly silenced the visitors. Yet GAIS adjusted well and controlled much of the second phase of the half, forcing AIK to chase the equalizer. As the whistle blew for halftime, GAIS led the scoreboard and looked the more composed of the two sides, much to the frustration of AIK’s star men and staff.
Bersant Celina, who had been unable to conjure his best form in the opening 45 minutes, spoke candidly after the break. “It’s not good enough. We’re fighting, but we’re not getting the flow or the rhythm we need. The goal we’re letting in is too easy,” Celina told HBO Max, underscoring AIK’s need for a spark to turn pressure into points.
Second half: a stoppage, then Celina’s dream equalizer
After halftime, the kick-off was delayed due to a referee change when one of the assistant referees could not continue. Fourth official Mohammed Al-Hakim stepped in to take charge on the sideline, and play restarted amid a tense atmosphere as AIK sought to fashion an equalizer. The crucial moment came when Celina delivered a moment of brilliance: a precise half-volley from the edge of the penalty area that found the top corner and leveled the score at 1-1. The strike was described in local circles as a “dream goal,” perfectly meeting the moment AIK needed in their pursuit of European football next season.
The match settled into a rhythm of counterattacks and scrambles, with both sides creating chances but neither able to tilt the balance in their favor. Throughout, the crowd stayed engaged, creating a palpable atmosphere that reflected the importance of the result for both clubs’ continental ambitions.
Impact on the Allsvenskan table and European ambitions
With the final whistle, the scoreline stood at 1-1, restoring parity but leaving AIK with work to do if they are to secure a European slot. AIK sits third in the Allsvenskan table, two points ahead of Malmö FF, while GAIS sit on the same points as Malmö. The result preserves AIK’s prospects but tightens the race for the final European berths, with every upcoming fixture carrying increased significance for the Stockholm club and their rivals.
What this means going forward
AIK’s path to Europe remains alive, but the path is narrow. The absence of captain Salétros was felt, and Aron Csongvai’s return to the starting lineup offered a glimpse of fresh combinations, yet the team still needs greater cohesion and efficiency to translate chances into wins. Celina’s late equalizer will be remembered as a turning moment, a reminder of AIK’s quality when their backs are against the wall. As the Allsvenskan title race moves on, AIK will need to carry this momentum into their next fixtures to secure a coveted European spot.
