Elfsborg and Djurgarden make positive starts as Hacken and BP share the spoils
Hacken 2-2 Brommapojkarna
Two teams looking to secure at least a mid table spot this term began their efforts with a lively stalemate in Gothenburg.
BP faced early threats before they grabbed the lead merely eight minutes into the match, as Mads Hansen lofted a delivery that Lukas Bjorklund directed downward, allowing it to bizarrely slip beneath Hacken keeper David Andersson.
Just before the interval, Amor Layounis pass nearly resulted in an own goal by the BP defence, hinting at the drama ahead after the break. Two minutes after resuming, Layouni supplied a cross for Adrian Svanback to smash in the leveller via the far upright.
With 20 minutes remaining, Hacken flipped the script, courtesy of a delivery from the left flank that bypassed the crowd and reached Layouni on the opposite side, whose powerful cutback deflected off Jordan Simpson for an unfortunate own goal.
Yet Hacken could not hold firm, as in the 89th minute, they struggled to defend a clearance while BP pushed forward keenly, with Oliver Zanden feeding Andreas Troelsen, who unleashed a curling 25 yard strike that bulged the net to restore parity.
Elfsborg 2-0 Goteborg
The previous year split into distinct phases for these clubs, yielding opposite results, with Goteborg rising from the pack to claim European qualification, whereas Elfsborg faded badly after leading the continental chase initially.
Elfsborgs fresh start under manager Bjorn Hamberg, succeeding Oscar Hiljemark who moved to Serie A outfit Pisa, proved victorious despite the change not stemming from last seasons woes.
The breakthrough arrived shortly before the hour, and it proved memorable, with Simon Olssons pass locating Taylor Silverholt beyond the defence, who controlled with his chest, spun, and rifled a volley into the near post.
Merely seven minutes followed for the next score, as a corner from the hosts was worked out wide right, where Olsson whipped in a supply for Julius Magnusson to nod it with sufficient force to clip the upright and wrong foot Elis Bishesari.
IFK Goteborg squandered their chances, managing only a single effort on target over the full game, failing to score and thus conceding a debut loss. For the Boras outfit, this marks only their second Allsvenskan triumph in 13 outings.
GAIS 0-1 Djurgarden
The seasons initial fixtures concluded in Gothenburg too, where hosts GAIS hoped for a strong launch amid their European commitments, but suffered a setback pre match when national teamer Gustav Lundgren picked up a knock during warm ups.
Regardless of the impact, the Mackerels faced a stern test versus a determined Djurgarden eager to reclaim continental action, and indeed, the lone strike arrived around the second periods midpoint.
The Iron Stoves seized the ball centrally in GAIS territory, enabling Oskar Fallenius to slip a precise pass that sliced through the hosts rearguard, allowing Patric Aslund to gather and slot it home composedly.
Though standings mean little after a single round, its worth noting that title holders Mjallby languish at the base, purely by name order. Djurgarden and Elfsborg join five others in opening with victories.