Hammarby 1-1 Anderlecht: Stalemate in Stockholm Sets Up Tense Return Leg

The Tele2 Arena in Stockholm played host to a tightly contested UEFA Europa League qualifying round first leg as Swedish side Hammarby held Belgian giants Anderlecht to a 1-1 draw on 24 July 2026. The result leaves the tie perfectly balanced ahead of the return fixture in Brussels.

Match Overview

Hammarby, known for their passionate home support, started brightly and took a deserved lead midway through the first half. However, Anderlecht’s experience told as they equalised before the break, leaving both sides with work to do. The second half saw fewer clear chances, with defenses largely on top.

Key Moments

• 31' – Hammarby strike: A swift counter-attack ended with a composed finish past Anderlecht goalkeeper Colin Coosemans, sending the home fans into raptures.
• 42' – Anderlecht level: A set-piece header from defender Jan Vertonghen, rising highest at the near post, restored parity just before half-time.
• 68' – Late drama: Hammarby thought they had retaken the lead, but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside after a VAR check.

Tactical Battle

Hammarby set up in a compact 4-4-2, looking to exploit quick transitions through wingers Nahir Besara and Gustav Ludwigson. Anderlecht, under manager Brian Riemer, controlled possession with a 4-3-3 but struggled to break down a well-organised Swedish defence. The visitors’ experience in European competition proved crucial in weathering early pressure and grabbing a vital away goal.

Standout Players

• Edvin Kurtulus (Hammarby): The young centre-back was outstanding, winning nearly all his aerial duels and stepping into midfield to start attacks.
• Mario Stroeykens (Anderlecht): The Belgian international pulled the strings from midfield, completing over 90% of his passes and providing the assist for the equaliser.

What This Means

Anderlecht hold the advantage of an away goal, meaning Hammarby must score in Belgium to progress if the aggregate score remains level. The return leg at Lotto Park promises to be a fascinating tactical contest, with both sides still confident of advancing to the next qualifying round.