The reigning champion and big favorite Villa Lidköping started the final, with radiant sun and temperature around zero, the strongest and took the lead after only eight minutes. On penalties, Sanna Gustafsson put 1-0 to the Villa fans’ great cheers.
After that, AIK grew into the match and after an expulsion from Villas Viktora Karlsson, they drew a draw. The team’s top scorer this season, Kristina Mashinskaya, had Gnaget’s sharpest chance when goalkeeper Pernilla Elardt-Östh lost the ball. But Mashinskaya’s finish was saved on the finish line. Shortly before, Mashinskaya’s Russian compatriot Karina Lipanova had a dangerous situation to make 1-1.
But there was never a receipt. Instead, it was Villa Lidköping who scored the next goal. Tilda Ström found the meshes after a corner.
Villa also got the chance to increase to 3-0 just before half time when the referee blew a dubious penalty. But Sanna Gustafsson’s penalty luck did not last. AIK’s Ellen Arhnberg saved Gustafsson’s low attempt.
However, it was not long before the second half before Villa’s third goal of the day. Matilda Svenler increased the lead with a stunning volley following a cross from the right wing.
Ten minutes later it was 4-0 via Julia Wallgren and the gold, with half an hour left to play, seemed to be secured. Villa Lidköping also won the match in the stands. The supporters, who due to the corona pandemic were not allowed to see the team take their first Swedish Championship gold last year, sang all the way to the final whistle.
AIK had a shot in the crossbar but never came closer than that. The final ended 4-0 and the pre-favorite Villa, who only lost one match during the season, thus became Swedish champions in front of 4,735 people at Studenternas IP.
The text is updated.
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