Mjallby AIF fans have crafted a Europe-themed tifo ahead of tonight’s historic Champions League qualifier against Lincoln Red Imps at Strandvallen. The side, currently top of Allsvenskan with 75 points and 23 wins, kicks off the two-legged tie on July 23, 2026.
What happened ahead of the qualifier?
On Tuesday evening, 15 Mjallby supporters gathered to sketch, glue and paint a tifo to celebrate the club’s first-ever European outing. The group, led by Olle Håkansson from the tifo crew, aimed to showcase the club’s European pride. – It’s going to be Europe-themed, Håkansson said. We want to show who we are and where we’re from.
Mjallby returned to Allsvenskan in 2020 after spells in Superettan and Division 1, and since then the side has broken points records and established itself as one of Sweden’s best. They’ve scored 57 goals and conceded 18 this season, with a +39 goal difference. With a 13-point lead over Hammarby FF and five straight wins in their last outings, the mood is buoyant ahead of tonight’s clash.
Why it matters for Mjallby
Tonight isn’t just another qualifier for Mjallby-it’s a shot at making history as the first team from Blekinge to play in the Champions League. Lincoln Red Imps, Gibraltar’s dominant side in recent years, arrive as favourites, and Mjallby haven’t won a league game since beating Hammarby in the cup final on May 14.
Olle Håkansson remembers watching from the stands during the club’s lower-league days. – When we were in Superettan there wasn’t a thought we’d end up as Sweden’s best, he said. Now the side faces a new challenge, and the fans’ tifo is part of that journey.
What comes next?
A win over Lincoln Red Imps would send Mjallby into the third qualifying round and then the play-offs. Victory there means a place in the Champions League. Lose in the second round and they drop into the Europa League. Mjallby currently sit top of Allsvenskan with 75 points from 30 games-23 wins, 6 draws and just 1 loss-and five straight wins in their last outings with a +39 goal difference.
