EXCLUSIVE: 'A lost chance' for Djurgarden and Hammarby in the Stockholm Derby

In a lively Allsvenskan match where both sides enjoyed spells of control and created scoring opportunities the outcome of a 1-1 draw left players from each team viewing it as a squandered chance to claim victory over their local opponents.

Djurgarden took the early advantage and appropriately in the ninth minute their striker number nine Kristian Lien netted his third goal of the campaign. Hammarby responded by levelling the score via Nahir Besara shortly after the hour to prevent Djurgarden from securing their first derby triumph in nine outings.

Check Flashscore's complete match summary of Djurgarden 1-1 Hammarby at 3Arena here.

The Norwegian striker Lien was featuring in his debut Stockholm derby after his transfer to Sweden and he shared with Flashscore how he relied on his forward's intuition to anticipate the move and position himself correctly.

Describe your goal it capped a strong opening for Djurgarden.

"Yes we began at full throttle and generated several fine chances the goal came from a superb backheel by Hampus (Finndell) followed by a solid strike. It involves anticipating the ball's path and I spotted that Hampus would not take it on alone. He saw me arriving from behind so yes a truly elegant team play."

You bagged a pair against Kalmar and now another today are you set for a scoring streak?

"I aim to net in every match! Matches vary particularly against sides that sit deep. In more expansive encounters like this it fits our style and mine perfectly so I push to score whenever I can."

Post your goal Hammarby gained momentum was this a bit of a wasted chance against a strong side?

"That is the sentiment we have. Our initial phase was excellent but then we let it slip somewhat. A missed chance? Not sure but we aimed for more from this fixture."

For Hammarby midfielder Markus Karlsson assisted in dictating the game's rhythm. He discussed with Flashscore the distinct experience of an away derby at a familiar venue and the steps Bajen must take to vie for the championship they lead.

Arriving at a well-known venue as the away team with the audience opposed how does that derby atmosphere feel?

"It is somewhat unusual yet it is our ground too and we are acquainted with the surface and surroundings. We have supporters in just one section so it differs but mainly we are familiar with the pitch."

You trailed early faced some pressure but dominated for about an hour. Was this a lost opportunity for the victory?

"Indeed that is how it seems. We did not begin sharply but from the 20 minute mark we imposed ourselves and the second period was solid from us with a goal to show. It is challenging one point counts but naturally we sought three."

What caused the sluggish opening?

"Unclear! We have experienced tentative starts this season so the issue escapes me. We must analyse it and improve by staying composed at kick off and sticking to our approach."

You secured a 3-0 over Mjallby and an 8-1 against Orgryte yet some results have disappointed including today as you noted a missed chance how do you build the consistency required for a title push?

"We must replicate our display from that initial match against Mjallby where we excelled and apply our tactics consistently ahead. More presence in the penalty area and sharper finishing in the final third are key. Despite the eight goals I feel we do not generate sufficient chances so that is our focus for growth."

Hammarby's lack of clear cut chances benefited Djurgarden defender Piotr Johansson who savoured the derby vibe on what he described as a straightforward afternoon defensively.

You launched vigorously but could not sustain the pace throughout what led to that?

"Certainly we opened strongly. As typical after such a promising beginning and scoring against elite rivals in the upper echelons maintaining that energy is tough you ease off slightly. It was not deliberate but we remained solid at the rear. They gained possession post our surge but overall they produced little and it felt quite relaxed in the close."

They boast ample forward threats like scorer Nahir Besara Paulos Abraham and Montader Madjed as a defender how do you counter their danger?

"They favour possession based play so from my defensive role it is agreeable to face such foes. The hardest is chasing back towards your goal repeatedly. But they operate through short passes often to the flanks. They avoided my flank much so today was fairly undemanding at the back!"

The vibe is electric how is it to compete in such a derby? Does it inspire you and perhaps explain your potent start?

"Absolutely that is the essence of the sport particularly these marquee fixtures with our supporters they craft an outstanding ambiance at the arena and derbies elevate it further so yes it motivates greatly. These are the highlights I thrive in them and deliver my peak performances."

Many tip Hammarby as title contenders you are now even with them on points what implications does that hold for your squad and season goals?

"A point versus quality opposition yes we accept it though we craved the win! Still we draw positives from it. Prior to this we controlled games against Malmo and Elfsborg yet earned nothing so one point here progresses us. We possess a capable squad and I believe we can accomplish much this term but yes a solid result today onward to the next. We face Goteborg soon hoping to spark a run of wins. Ultimately 1-1 felt fair and little else to add."