After the return legs of the third qualifying round were completed, it is confirmed that all four Swedish teams have advanced to the Play-off round in their respective tournaments.
Reigning Swedish champions Malmö FF went into their away match against Greek league champions PAOK with a 2-2 result from the home leg in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. Malmö FF impressed greatly in the heat and took the tie to extra time with a late equalizer to make it 3-3 in the match at Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki. In extra time, Malmö’s captain Anders Christiansen scored the only goal, sending the Swedish champions to the Play-off round of the UEFA Champions League. The Play-off round will be another two-legged tie, this time against Czech team Sparta Prague. Malmö FF will begin the tie at home on Wednesday, August 21. Securing a spot in the Play-off round also means that Malmö FF, even if they lose to Sparta Prague, are guaranteed a place in the UEFA Europa League this autumn.
BK Häcken entered their return match against Estonian team Paide Linnameeskond with a comfortable lead after their initial 6-1 victory at Bravida Arena. Tuesday’s return match in Tallinn ended in a 1-1 draw, which means Häcken are through to the Play-off round of the UEFA Europa Conference League. In the final qualifying round, they will face German side FC Heidenheim, who finished eighth in the Bundesliga last season. BK Häcken will start the tie at home at Bravida Arena on August 22.
IF Elfsborg began the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League with a 1-1 draw away against Croatian side Rijeka. Thursday’s return leg at home at Borås Arena ended in a 2-0 victory for Elfsborg, which secured their place in the Play-off round against Norwegian team Molde FK. The result also means that Elfsborg is already assured of European league play this autumn, as a possible loss to Molde would place them directly into the league phase of the UEFA Europa Conference League. IF Elfsborg will start the two-legged tie against Molde FK away on August 22, with the return leg at Borås Arena taking place a week later on August 29.
Djurgården was drawn against Finnish side Tampereen Ilves in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Djurgården followed up with a 3-1 home victory at Tele2 Arena on Thursday, which means they are also through to the next round. To advance to the league phase, they must win the Play-off round against Slovenian team NK Maribor. Djurgården will start at home on August 22, with the return leg being played a week later.
