Match overview
AIK’s bid to keep European dream alive took a hit and then a lift in rapid succession at the National Arena. Missing captain and national team midfielder Anton Salétros, AIK handed a starting XI to Aron Csongvai, who stepped in after two substitute appearances. GAIS, however, took the lead early and headed into the break with an advantage that suggested the visitors could claim a crucial night on Stockholm soil.
The green-and-black home side controlled much of the early pressure, but it was GAIS who struck first. Ibrahim Diabate found space in behind the defense after ten minutes and clinically finished past Kristoffer Nordfeldt on the left side of the goal. The strike not only gave GAIS a timely lead but also nudged the away side into a position where the hosts needed a response to stay in the hunt for European qualification.
As the first half wore on, AIK’s confidence ebbed. Bersant Celina, playing in the hole behind the front line, looked for rhythm but felt the team’s execution was lacking. His post-match reflection summed up the mood: the performance wasn’t good enough, and the team needed more from the collective effort to unlock a stubborn GAIS defense.
Second-half drama and a referee change
The second half began with a delay after a fourth official, Mohammed Al-Hakim, stepped in to replace an assistant referee who could no longer continue. Once play resumed, AIK pushed for an equalizer, and the breakthrough finally arrived in style.
Bersant Celina produced a moment of quality from the edge of the penalty area. He struck a crisp half-volley that nestled into the net, drawing AIK level at 1-1 and sending the home crowd into relief. The goal not only revived AIK’s chances of three points but also underscored Celina’s importance to the side as they chase a European spot.
Celina’s dream goal and key talking points
Celina’s goal was the defining moment of the night—an expertly timed volley that showcased his technique and composure in front of goal. It also carried the weight of AIK’s ongoing hopes for European football in the coming months. The draw preserves a slender but meaningful path toward higher placement in the Allsvenskan standings, where every point can prove pivotal in the race for continental football.
Defensively, AIK showed resilience after the concession in the 10th minute, and the combination of a steady backline and Celina’s late intervention helped the team salvage a result when the tempo threatened to slip away. Aron Csongvai’s inclusion from the start provided a fresh attacking option, and his performance helped AIK maintain pressure as the match wore on.
Standings and what the result means for AIK
With the 1-1 result, AIK remains in third place in the Allsvenskan table, two points ahead of Malmö FF, and GAIS sit on equal footing with the same points as Malmö FF. The outcome keeps AIK’s European qualification hopes alive—though it also emphasizes how fine the margins are in a tightly packed race for continental football. Every remaining fixture will be critical for AIK as they seek to consolidate a top-two finish or at least secure a position that offers a route into European competition.
Looking ahead
AIK will aim to capitalize on the momentum gained by Celina’s equalizer and carry the momentum into the next league matches. The absence of Salétros will likely force further tactical adjustments, but the team demonstrated their depth and resilience against GAIS. As the season edges toward its climax, supporters will be hoping for continued improvements, sharper finishing, and more moments that can shape the course of AIK’s European ambitions.
