Hammarby Triumphs 4-1 Over Brann as Key Players Face Emotional and Injury Challenges
Hammarby secured a decisive 4-1 win against Brann in the Europa Cup qualifier, with Ellen Wangerheim’s hat-trick shining amidst emotional and injury setbacks.
- • Hammarby defeated Brann 4-1 with Ellen Wangerheim scoring a hat-trick.
- • Norwegian goalkeeper Selma Panengstuen left the pitch in tears, taking responsibility for the goals.
- • Hammarby's captain Alice Carlsson suffered a groin injury but remains hopeful to play against Häcken.
- • The return leg in Norway will determine Hammarby's advancement to the final Europa Cup qualifying round.
Key details
Hammarby delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Norwegian side Brann in the Europa Cup qualifier, showcasing their dominance and securing a strong position ahead of the return leg in Norway. The match was highlighted by Ellen Wangerheim’s impressive hat-trick, underlining the significant difference in competition levels between the Swedish and Norwegian leagues, as remarked by Wangerheim herself. Despite Brann’s solid defensive record this season, conceding only six goals in 22 matches, Hammarby capitalized effectively on their chances, dismantling the Norwegian defense.
The outcome, however, was emotionally taxing for Brann’s goalkeeper Selma Panengstuen, who left the pitch in tears. Panengstuen candidly took responsibility for the four goals conceded, lamenting, "I have an incredibly bad day at work," and expressed frustration over having allowed as many goals in this single match as in the entire season before. Her emotional response reflects the pressure and high stakes of this critical qualifier.
On the Hammarby side, the mood was tempered by concern as captain Alice Carlsson suffered a groin injury during the first half of the match and was substituted. She expressed hope that the injury was not severe, saying, "I hope and believe that I stepped off in time." Carlsson’s condition is especially crucial with a decisive league final looming against Häcken in just days, an important fixture with only five rounds remaining in the damallsvenskan season.
Looking ahead, the return leg in Norway will be decisive in determining whether Hammarby advances to the final qualifying round of the Europa Cup. The team’s strong first-leg performance provides them a favorable position, but concerns over player fitness and intensity of competition remain key factors as they prepare for upcoming challenges.