Djurgården continues to impress in the European Championship. The team is 180 minutes away from new European millions to allocate, after having made it to the playoff in the Conference League qualifiers.
After 1–1 in the first meeting, Djurgården came out at a furious pace, fueled by a boiling Tele2 Arena, and created chance after chance directly. And it didn't take long before the opening goal came.
In the 14th minute, Besard Sabovic pulled off a half-volley, which via an Ilves defender, found its way into the goal.
"In the right place at the right time"
And even though Ilves equalized after a huge blunder by home goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström, it was "The Blue Stripes" who had the lead at halftime after a late goal signed by Deniz Hümmet.
A goal that Hümmet himself loved to make.
As I've said before, I get incredibly happy about making such goals. Being in the right place at the right time. I already know that I can score from outside, so it was incredibly nice, says the striker.
And this time, the Finns had no answer. Instead, Djurgården went further ahead to 3–1, when Adam Ståhl pressed the ball into the goal from close range.
The two-goal deficit was too tough for Ilves, and when the referee blew the whistle for the last time, Djurgården supporters could rejoice. The final result over both matches became 4–2 to Djurgården.
"Evenings you won't forget"
Thus, Djurgården is on to the playoff in the Conference League qualifiers. There, Slovenian Maribor awaits. Should Djurgården win the double meeting, the team is clear for a new European adventure. But for Deniz Hümmet, it would be the first in his career.
These are the kind of matches you burn for. Even though it wasn't sold out today, the atmosphere was top-notch, so I can only imagine what it would be like if we manage to make it all the way. It would be evenings you won't forget.
The double meeting will be played on August 22 and 29. But first, a tough twin derby against arch-rivals AIK in the Allsvenskan awaits on Sunday.
