Riveiro’s AIK Falls to Västerås SK in Swedish Cup Debut

AIK Stockholm suffered a 2-0 defeat against Västerås SK in their opening match of the Swedish Cup group stage on Sunday, February 18, 2026. This marked the competitive debut for AIK’s new manager, José Riveiro, and Västerås SK’s Alexander Rubin, who was recently promoted from assistant coach.

Match Recap

The match, played in front of 14,209 spectators, saw Västerås SK take the lead in the 30th minute when Axel Taonsa headed in a cross from Marcus Baggesen. Jonathan Ring extended Västerås’ advantage to 2-0 in the 39th minute.

Despite AIK’s attempts to rally in the second half, they were unable to break down a well-organized Västerås defense. AIK’s Johan Hove expressed frustration with the team’s performance during the halftime break, stating, “I think we were severely punished. They were efficient. Two goals in two chances.”

Västerås SK’s Marcus Baggesen highlighted his team’s clinical performance, saying, “An absolutely incredible first half. We stood up well in the game and we scored two great goals.”

Riveiro’s Assessment

Following the match, José Riveiro acknowledged Västerås’ effective tactics. “In the first half, both teams managed to set their game plans. Both teams followed their plan. But they were very well organized and aggressive in their pressing. We had difficulty finding spaces behind the second press,” he explained. He added, “The goals came in two situations when they were good in their pressure. I don’t think it was a 2-0 game in the first half but the result is what it is.”

Riveiro emphasized the importance of viewing this match as a learning experience. “We took our first steps together today. We know enough and are experienced enough to understand that these early results cannot dictate how we proceed.” He likewise expressed satisfaction with the team’s effort to maintain their style of play even while trailing. “Even when we were 2-0 down, the players avoided the temptation to stress more towards the goal. We tried to create the kind of football that we want to play.”

Team Lineups

AIK: Kristoffer Nordfeldt – Mads Thychosen, Aron Csongvai, Fredrik Nissen (Ahmad Faqa 77), Stanley Wilson – Dino Besirovic, Yannick Geiger (Amel Mujanic 66), Johan Hove (Zadok Yohanna 77) – Taha Ayari (Axel Kouame 46), Kevin Filling (Erik Flataker 66), Bersant Celina

Västerås: Elis Jäger – Herman Magnusson, Frederic Nsabiyumva, Victor Wernersson (Melvin Ljungqvist 77) – Simon Gefvert, Jonathan Ring, Mamadou Diagne (Mattias Hellisdal 88), Marcus Baggesen (Philip Bonde 66) – Jens Magnusson (Ismet Lushaku 66), Axel Taonsa (Moussa Diallo 88), Karl Gunnarsson

What’s Next

The group winner will advance to the quarter-finals of the Swedish Cup. AIK and Västerås SK are in a group with Häcken and Oddevold, with Häcken securing a win against Oddevold in their match on Sunday. AIK will need to regroup and improve their performance in upcoming matches to progress in the tournament.