AIK secured an impressive 2–0 win against Gais at Friends Arena in Allsvenskan matchday 15, marking the club’s third consecutive victory since the summer break. With that result, AIK have climbed to third place in the table, just two points behind leaders Hammarby on 17 points. League standing: AIK are currently third in Allsvenskan with 15 points, 1 win and 1 draw from their last two games and a defence that has conceded only 3 goals this season. Goals this season: AIK have scored 4 goals and conceded 3 (+1 goal difference) during the 2026 season. The team has conceded just once in their last three matches, showing a solid defensive improvement during the break.
How AIK’s young attack has transformed the side
Defensive veteran Björn Bergmann Sigurdarson praised the contributions of the younger attacking players after the win. – It’s really great to see how the whole team has stepped up. Many are taking responsibility and making key contributions, he said. Victor Andersson and Adrian Helm delivered the decisive touches in the earlier 2–0 away win at Mjällby, while Taha Ayari and Kevin Filling have now stepped up to make their mark in attack.
Bergmann Sigurdarson stressed that it’s not about any single factor but collective effort. – We’ve worked hard all spring and summer. Many players have taken initiative and brought fresh energy. That shows in the results, he said. The coaching staff has given all 27 players in the squad a chance to prove themselves, creating a stronger team spirit.
The boss on the team’s balance after the break
José Riveiro is pleased with the progress he has seen since returning from the summer break. – We’ve found a good balance across the different parts of the game. Earlier we were good at what we like to do but weaker at what we don’t. Now we’ve improved in those areas too, he said. Riveiro also highlighted the team’s defensive solidity, with only three goals conceded in the last three matches.
Papagiannopoulos agrees with the manager’s assessment. – He’s a perfect leader for this group. He gives players, young and old, confidence and the chance to grow. You can tell the whole coaching staff has their ideas and executes them the right way, he said. AIK’s squad now stands at 27 active players, and every single one has been given the chance to contribute.
The title race: no limits – just hard work
With the latest win, AIK have climbed to third in Allsvenskan, just two points behind Hammarby who lead on 17. Title race: AIK sit three points behind table-topping IF Elfsborg on 18 points. Still, the team has no plans to target the top right now. – We take it match by match. There’s no ceiling. We just keep going. We are AIK, says Filling. – We’re not looking at the top. We just have to get better and better and focus on ourselves, Papagiannopoulos adds.
Ayari agrees that the current table position is secondary. – I don’t even check the table. I take it match by match. Third place? That’s a good spot to be in, he says. The focus is entirely on continuing the hard work and keeping a steady level in every game.
AIK’s next test comes on August 16 away at Djurgårdens IF, currently fourth in the table with 14 points. Next fixture: AIK face Djurgårdens IF on August 16 2026 in a crucial top-of-the-table clash in Allsvenskan.
