Erling Braut Haaland traveled to Sweden to watch his friend Erik Botheim become a league champion with Malmö. He got to see that – after a masterful comeback against IFK Göteborg.
The match in Malmö ended 2-1 in favor of the home team after goals from Taha Abdi Ali and Hugo Bolin. Botheim did not make it onto the score sheet with Haaland in the stands.
Instead, it was IFK Göteborg who scored first and threatened to ruin the evening for Malmö. Danish Laurs Skjellerup secured the lead before halftime. In the second half, the league champions struck back.
Sitting in the stands was a pleased Erling Braut Haaland.
The Manchester City star was not present at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday. Instead, he made a surprising appearance to see Botheim play in the title match.
– This is absolutely incredible. It was intense with the supporters coming onto the field after the final whistle. There was a lot of energy in motion. This season has been fantastic with league gold and cup gold. It must be my best, Botheim said to Max after the match.
He was brought to Skåne ahead of this season.
– I came here to this fantastic club after a poor and boring season in Italy. I love this club, the Norwegian added.
Three Norwegians
Malmö had to win Monday’s home match to secure the gold. The Skåne club accomplished that task.
Colin Rösler, Lasse Berg Johnsen, Oliver Berg, and Botheim were all part of Malmö’s starting lineup against IFK. Berg left at halftime, while Botheim was substituted late in the game. Berg Johnsen and Rösler completed the match.
Anders Trondsen started the game at IFK’s right back, while Jacob Karlstrøm guarded the goal. They are part of a squad that is fighting hard to avoid relegation.
With two league rounds remaining, IFK, led by former Sarpsborg coach Stefan Billborn, has a four-point cushion above the relegation zone.
Haaland surprised
Many were surprised to see Haaland and his father Alfie appear in Malmö on Monday – instead of attending the Ballon d’Or gala in Paris.
A year ago, Haaland placed second in the prestigious Ballon d’Or voting. Only Lionel Messi received more votes. Many believed at that time that the Norwegian had reason to feel overlooked.
Also on Monday, the Jæren native was nominated, but did not quite make the cut again.
There were 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or winners in both the women’s and men’s categories.
