Hammarby to Face Ajax in Europa Cup Quarter-Finals After Malmö FF Collapse

Malmö FF crashed out of the Europa Cup on Wednesday evening after conceding two late goals in a 2–0 defeat to Ajax at Eleda Stadion, missing out on a quarterfinal matchup against Hammarby.

The Swedish side held a 2–1 aggregate lead from the first leg in the Netherlands and sat minutes away from securing progression, according to SVT Nyheter. But a dramatic turnaround in the closing moments upended the tie.

Bo van Egmond broke the deadlock in the 86th minute, firing past goalkeeper Zecira Musovic to level the aggregate score, as reported by Dagens Nyheter. Four minutes later, Sherida Spitse added a second with a long-range effort that took an unfortunate deflection off Malmö defender Ellen Löfqvist, sealing a 3–2 aggregate victory for the Dutch visitors, Aftonbladet reported.

“It is emptiness and disappointment,” Malmö captain Mia Persson told SVT.

Persson pointed to a lapse in concentration during the dying minutes. “We are maybe a bit tired and not really there focus-wise. We relax a bit too early and are on our heels. It feels like two fluke goals, so it is sad,” she told SVT.

With Malmö knocked out, Hammarby advances to face Ajax in the next round. Hammarby secured their quarterfinal spot by defeating Slovakian side Spartak Myjava 7–1 on aggregate, capping the run with a 4–0 win on Wednesday, according to Fotbollskanalen.

Hammarby midfielder Filippa Curmark welcomed the upcoming test against continental opposition. “Ajax is better opposition and a more fun team to meet. To get to come and play internationally instead of playing at Malmö IP or whatever the hell it’s called, Eleda, a February evening. We look forward to that,” Curmark told Fotbollskanalen in a lighthearted remark.

She added that European competition demands matches against traditional powerhouse clubs. “Ajax feels like a little talent factory in itself so I think it will be a tough match for us,” Curmark told Fotbollskanalen.

Elin Sørum, who scored twice in Hammarby’s victory over Myjava, noted the complicated domestic dynamics surrounding Swedish clubs in Europe. “For Swedish football, it is good if Swedish teams do well in Europe. But it is clear that you have a so-so relationship with Malmö,” Sørum told Fotbollskanalen.

Reflecting on her own preferences for the draw, Sørum emphasized the appeal of facing unfamiliar opponents. “For my own part, I have no preferences. But we have been in Malmö a lot this year so it is nice to get to meet teams you don’t meet so often,” she told Fotbollskanalen.

Meanwhile, the defeat leaves Malmö to reflect on their continental campaign. Goalkeeper Musovic described the exit as a bitter pill but emphasized the value of the experience for the squad. “This will just be fuel to be really damn good at the next training session and the next match,” Musovic said.

The quarterfinals of the Europa Cup are scheduled to begin on February 3, 2027, with Ajax traveling to face Hammarby in the first leg of the two-legged tie, Aftonbladet reported.