Allsvenskan: AIK lose 3-1 at Norrkoping and miss chance to further top three credentials

AIK's three-match winning streak in the Allsvenskan came to an end with a 3-1 defeat to Norrkoping on Monday night. This loss leaves AIK just two points ahead of the teams competing for third place and the final European qualification spot. Norrkoping took the lead in the 33rd minute when Max Watson controlled a cross from the right and scored under pressure. Seven minutes later, they doubled their advantage as Christoffer Nyman chested a ball from the left to Alexander Fransson, who volleyed it past goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt. Norrkoping sealed the victory when Kevin Jansson capitalized on a poor clearance and drilled the ball into the net. AIK managed a consolation goal through Dino Besirovic's powerful header, but it wasn't enough to prevent their fifth loss of the season, leaving them 14 points behind league leaders Mjallby with only six matches remaining. The win boosts Norrkoping's survival hopes, moving them up to 10th place and seven points clear of the relegation zone.

In another Monday night match, Halmstad secured a crucial 2-1 away victory over bottom-side Varnamo, enhancing their chances of avoiding relegation. Varnamo opened the scoring in the first half with a 20-yard strike from Ajdin Zeljkovic, his fourth league goal of the season. However, Halmstad equalized early in the second half when Naeem Mohammed set up Villiam Granath, who scored with a powerful shot. The turnaround was completed just before the hour mark when Varnamo's Victor Larsson inadvertently headed Pascal Gregor's cross into his own net. This loss extends Varnamo's losing streak to four matches, and they now trail the relegation playoff place by 10 points, while Halmstad have accumulated seven points from their last four games.