Malmö FF's Late Penalty Misses Opportunity in Goalless Draw Against IFK Göteborg
Malmö FF struggles with late penalty miss in a goalless draw against IFK Göteborg, frustrating players and fans alike.
Key Points
- • Malmö FF and IFK Göteborg ended in a goalless draw (0-0).
- • Lasse Berg Johnsen missed a crucial penalty in the 82nd minute, saved by Elis Bishesari.
- • Malmö controlled possession but lacked finishing against a resilient Göteborg defense.
- • Coach Rydström defended Berg Johnsen's penalty taking despite expert criticism.
In a tense Allsvenskan match on August 24, 2025, Malmö FF faced IFK Göteborg, finishing in a frustrating 0-0 draw. The key moment came late in the match when Malmö was awarded a penalty but failed to convert, thanks to a standout performance from Göteborg's young goalkeeper, Elis Bishesari.
The penalty was given following a foul on Malmö's Daniel Gudjohnsen, but Lasse Berg Johnsen's effort was saved by Bishesari, replicating a similar missed opportunity from their previous encounter in May. "I asked if he would shoot in the same spot as last time," Bishesari remarked, indicating his strategy in anticipating the shot. This save secured a point for Göteborg, while Malmö's players reacted with disappointment. Berg Johnsen later expressed his regret over the miss: "It should have been a goal, and it’s really frustrating," while also apologizing to the fans for not securing the win.
Throughout the match, Malmö showcased promising attacks, particularly in the second half, but struggled with finishing; they maintained higher possession yet lacked sharpness in front of goal. Coach Henrik Rydström defended Berg Johnsen's role as a penalty taker, stating that he is one of the more reliable options on the team despite the psychological pressures involved. Rydström noted, had Isaac Kiese Thelin been available, he likely would have taken the penalty instead.
Compounding the challenges for Malmö was an early head injury to midfielder Hugo Bolin, who was substituted after just 30 minutes of play. Analyzing the overall game, despite the share of possession and chances created, the team left disappointed with just a point rather than the expected three. Berg Johnsen's decision to take the penalty was also debated among experts, with HBO Max's Lasse Nilsson questioning the psychological implications of his prior miss.
Ultimately, the draw reflects a missed opportunity for Malmö FF, who now must regroup as they face the consequences of this match in the competitive Allsvenskan.