Updated 00.29 | Published 2024-08-13 22.13
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full screen Photo: Mathilda Ahlberg / Bildbyrån
THESSALONIKI. Malmö FF is one step away from the Champions League.
Nils Zätterström, 19, became a hero against Paok after an overtime thriller in Greece.
– It is definitely the sickest match I have experienced, he says.
The match went to extra time with the last “kick” of the match.
After pinball in the penalty area, the Greeks tried to clear – but instead the ball hit Nils Zätterström and bounced into the goal.
– He shoots it at me and then I see that the ball goes in, but I didn’t really know how it ended up there, says the goalscorer.
In the extension, the 19-year-old centre-back played a key role again.
Zätterström took the ball out and played to Anders Christiansen, who rounded the goalkeeper and made it 4-3 to Malmö.
“Was he the one who scored?”
Thus, MFF – who had 2-2 with them from Sweden – advances to the Champions League playoff after a total of 6-5 against the reigning Greek champions.
– That atmosphere, their crazy supporters and the way the match plays out. I can’t remember anything that comes close to this, says Nils Zätterström.
The winning shooter Anders Christiansen:
– Over two games and overtime, our football wins. Whether we are the best team, I don’t know. But we win the game. We control the match and the pace. They get tired and the little details make us put the ball 30 or 10 seconds before the end. We are controlled and set the pace. That’s why we’re moving on.
About Zätterström:
– Was he the one who scored the 3-3 goal?
A counterpoint. And he was the one who suited you.
– Exactly. It is clear that when such a young boy dares to take the ball past two, three players and match me in extra time, then you control the situation. I don’t give a crap about his goals or points, but his performance was mature. Impressive.
“Was bloody annoyed”
The return was swinging.
Malmö got off to a dream start when Sebastian Nanasi broke the deadlock early. Then Paok equalized – and at the end of the first it was extra hot in 30-degree Greece.
Then there were three goals in five minutes, two of which for the home team, who led 3–2 at the break.
– I was damn annoyed at half-time, says coach Henrik Rydström about the team finding themselves at a disadvantage again, immediately after equalizing.
Secures at least EL
In the playoffs awaits Sparta Prague, who knocked out FCSB after two goals from former Malmö midfielder Veljko Birmančević.
If they win against the Czechs, Malmö FF advances to the main tournament of the Champions League – and if they lose, it will be Europa League games this autumn.
The first match in the final qualifying round will be played in Skåne on Wednesday, August 21.
Both that and the return are broadcast in Viaplay.
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full screen Photo: Mathilda Ahlberg / Bildbyrån