Unlikely Swedish champions Mjallby win at home as fans party

Mjallby, having secured their inaugural Swedish championship via an away victory just six days prior, hosted their local supporters on Sunday and defeated Norrkoping 2-1 amid joyous celebrations.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as spectators repeatedly sang 'Swedish champions, Swedish champions' at the club's blustery Strandvallen arena, which holds 6,000 people.

This venue is positioned near the Baltic fishing harbour of Hallevik, located six kilometres away from Mjallby itself. Together, they form part of Solvesborg municipality, home to slightly more than 8,000 inhabitants.

'It's clear this feels like a fairy tale, utterly amazing,' remarked fan Sven Olle Hjem, attending alongside his relatives.

'Yet for those of us who've supported Mjallby over many years, we sensed it was possible, entirely plausible.'

The away side, fighting to avoid relegation, went ahead in the 28th minute through Christoffer Nyman's strike, but second-half goals from halftime replacement Tom Pettersson and forward Jacob Bergstrom sealed the win for the home team before their ecstatic crowd.

'The entire village and the adjacent ones are rooting for them, and it's vital that we show up,' commented Amanda Smedegard, donning a scarf in yellow and black hues.

The club runs on a modest budget of 84.7 million Swedish kronor ($9 million) for 2024.

Malmo, currently placed sixth and trailing Mjallby by 24 points this term, allocated eight times that amount.

With two matches remaining, the result propelled Mjallby to 69 points, surpassing the Allsvenskan benchmark established by Malmo back in 2010.

'We're gaining some recognition now,' noted Britt-Marie Jonsson, a 64-year-old local out doing errands.

'Football isn't my thing, but I still find it impressive.'