Hammarby Tops the Damallsvenskan With a Tepid Derby Win
Hammarby briefly reclaimed the Damallsvenskan summit after a 1-0 derby victory over AIK at Kanalplan. The win keeps them on top, but it was far from the polished display that often accompanies a league-leader’s performance. The energy was high, the stakes were higher, and the必须 outcome was three points that, for now, preserves their position at the table’s zenith.
Bea Sprung’s dream start continues
Three minutes into the match, the hosts struck first in front of a boisterous crowd. Asato Miyagawa picked up a loose ball after a Smilla Holmbergs foray into the box and laid it on a plate for Bea Sprung. The 20-year-old forward, who arrived in the capital after a stint with Rosengård and a breakout season that saw her score several times last year, swept the ball home with her weaker left foot. It was her second strike of the season and a reminder that Sprung can be decisive in moments that matter, a habit Hammarby have come to rely on amid a season of ups and downs.
Dominance without clinical finishing
Hammarby dominated possession and posture for long stretches, but they paid a price for imprecision in the final third. The build‑ups showed quality, yet the final ball often lacked the desired precision, and AIK’s goalkeeper Jada Whyman produced a string of important saves that kept the match tight. The early opener should have spurred a more ruthless finish, but the hosts found it difficult to convert several promising moves into a second goal.
Adelisa Grabus almost changed the script
AIK’s best moment of the first half came just before the break when Adelisa Grabus found herself free in a dangerous position after a swift break. Her shot from distance missed the target, gliding narrowly wide and denying AIK a potential lifeline at halftime. It was a sharp reminder that the scoreline could have looked different had Grabus or others converted their chances, a fact that underscored the visitors’ resilience and Hammarby’s vulnerability at the back when pressure mounted.
Bea Sprung’s trajectory and the title race
Sprung’s early goal, paired with the historical context of her development, highlighted why she is such a fascinating player this season. After a move that raised eyebrows—leaving Rosengård to join Hammarby—she has quickly become a focal point in an offensive unit still finding its rhythm. Her goal in the derby is more than a moment of individual quality; it reinforces the idea that Hammarby’s attack has a credible top-flight threat, even if the finishing remains imperfect.
What it means going forward
With three points secured, Hammarby stay in the chase for the Damallsvenskan title, though the performance level suggests more work lies ahead. The team will need to translate their territorial dominance into consistent, clean finishing if they want to hold off a charging pack behind them. The win, however, also sends a confident message about the squad’s depth and their ability to grind out results when not at their best.
Next up: a true test for the title race
Next weekend brings a crucial clash with Häcken, a meeting that could shape the championship picture. Häcken currently lead the table after a victory over Alingsås, and a win in Göteborg would mark a significant stride toward lifting the Kronprinsessan Victorias pokal later in the year. For Hammarby, the test will be whether they can maintain the momentum and tighten up in the important phases to extract the most from their talent on offer.
