Leksand’s Marcus Gidlöf Returns as Team Clinches 5-0 Boxing Day Victory Against Djurgården

Leksand secured a vital 5-0 away win against Djurgården at the Avicii Arena in Globen on December 26, marking a significant turnaround amid a difficult season. The victory was fueled by the return of their first-choice goalkeeper Marcus Gidlöf, who came back after more than two months sidelined due to injury. Gidlöf’s clean sheet was a crucial factor in containing Djurgården, who have themselves struggled recently with six losses in their last seven matches.

Peter Cehlarik, recently relieved of his captaincy, opened the scoring with an assist from young talents Andro Kaderli and Tinus Luc Koblar. Marcus Karlberg ended his 27-game goal drought with two goals, including a sharp volley from a rebound. The win was Leksand’s second away success this season, following a previous win against Frölunda.

Coach Johan Hedberg highlighted Gidlöf’s comeback as pivotal after a spell marked by five consecutive team losses and nine defeats in ten games. Despite Djurgården having defeated Leksand twice earlier in the season, the home crowd of nearly 14,000 witnessed a surprising and dominant performance by Leksand. Gidlöf expressed the emotional relief and joy of returning to top form, calling the match a “dream” comeback after battling injury and personal challenges.

The emphatic victory gives Leksand hope as they battle to climb from the bottom of the league standings, demonstrating resilience and renewed confidence heading into the remainder of the season.