IBV Vestmannaeyjar 2-2 KA Akureyri | Besta-deild karla | 19 July 2026

A dramatic encounter at Hásteinsvöllur saw IBV Vestmannaeyjar and KA Akureyri share the spoils in a 2-2 thriller. The result keeps both sides locked in the mid-table battle of the 2026 Besta-deild karla season, with neither able to seize the full advantage on a night of rapid exchanges and late drama.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, both teams showed intent to play attacking football. IBV, playing on their home turf, looked to press high and force errors from the KA backline. The visitors, however, responded with quick counterattacks that troubled the home defence throughout the first half.

The first goal came in the 23rd minute when KA Akureyri's Icelandic midfielder Arnar Freyr Jónsson curled a free-kick over the wall and into the top corner. IBV's goalkeeper, Björn Már Árnason, got a hand to it but could not keep it out. The visitors celebrated a deserved lead after dominating the early exchanges.

Key Moments

• 23' – KA Akureyri take the lead through Arnar Freyr Jónsson's excellent free-kick.
• 38' – IBV equalise as Viktor Már Jóhannesson heads home from a corner.
• 56' – KA restore their advantage when Daníel Leó Gunnarsson slotted home after a defensive mix-up.
• 71' – IBV draw level again; substitute Hrafn Óskarsson fired a low shot from the edge of the box.

Tactical Story

IBV manager Guðmundur Steinarsson switched to a 4-4-2 after falling behind, pushing full-backs higher to create width. The change paid off almost instantly with the equaliser. KA, under Bjarni Jóhannesson, relied on a compact 4-2-3-1 that allowed quick transitions. However, after taking the lead for the second time, they dropped too deep and invited pressure, which ultimately cost them two points.

The second half became a midfield battle, with IBV's Aron Már Smárason controlling the tempo after coming on as a substitute. His passing range created several chances, including the assist for the final equaliser.

Standout Players

• Viktor Már Jóhannesson (IBV) – Constant threat in the air, scored the first equaliser and won numerous headers.
• Arnar Freyr Jónsson (KA) – Opened the scoring with a brilliant set-piece and was lively in midfield.
• Hrafn Óskarsson (IBV) – Impactful substitute, provided energy and a clinical finish to rescue a point.

Table and Season Impact

The draw leaves IBV Vestmannaeyjar in seventh place on 26 points, while KA Akureyri remain ninth with 24 points. Both sides are within touching distance of the top six, and this result could prove valuable come the end of the season. With the title race heating up, dropping points at home will frustrate IBV, but the resilience shown will please their supporters.

KA Akureyri will feel they let a golden opportunity slip, having led twice. They will need to shore up their defensive concentration in the final third of games if they hope to climb the table in the coming weeks.