Allsvenskan Relegation Playoff: Värnamo Faces Old Rival Landskrona—Will History Repeat Itself?

The first leg of the Allsvenskan relegation playoff is set to take place on November 22, Beijing time, with IFK Värnamo squaring off against Landskrona BoIS. Värnamo narrowly missed direct survival in the top flight despite a solid finish to their regular season campaign. Over the final six matches, they suffered just one defeat, yet their fate was sealed by a mere three-goal deficit compared to 14th-placed IFK Göteborg. Now, they must fight to retain their Allsvenskan status against the third-placed team from the Superettan, Landskrona.

This matchup is rich with subplots, not least because the two teams have shared a recent history of simultaneous promotions. However, their trajectories since 2020 have been starkly different. Värnamo surged to back-to-back promotions, establishing themselves in Sweden’s top tier, while Landskrona remained in the Superettan until now. This playoff not only determines next season's league affiliations but also rekindles memories of their divergent paths.

Värnamo: The Rise and a Season of Regression

Since rejoining the Allsvenskan three years ago, Värnamo had shown remarkable resilience, consistently steering clear of relegation battles. In their first season, they secured safety with three rounds to spare, and last year, they were never in serious danger of dropping out. Some fans even lamented their inability to push for a European qualification spot.

However, this season has seen subtle yet costly regressions on both ends of the pitch. Despite maintaining the same number of losses as last season, their victories halved—from 14 to just seven—resulting in a significant drop in points. Moreover, their 10 draws were the joint-most in the league, alongside Göteborg and Brommapojkarna, indicating an inability to convert tight games into wins.

The final nail in the coffin came on the last day of the season when Värnamo faced league champions Elfsborg. A win would have guaranteed their survival, and with Elfsborg already securing the title, the match seemed a golden opportunity. Despite dominating possession and outshooting their opponents, Värnamo failed to capitalize on their chances, even after rotating through all three starting forwards. Their goalless draw froze their season tally at 30 goals—just one better than bottom-placed Västerås.

Landskrona: From Consistency to Breakthrough

Unlike their rivals, Landskrona has spent the past four seasons in the Superettan, building steadily toward this year’s breakthrough. After finishing mid-table in their first three campaigns, they finally climbed to third place, earning a shot at promotion via the playoff.

This success has largely been built on a rock-solid defense. Landskrona conceded just 1.1 goals per game this season, the second-best defensive record in the league, shaving a full third off their goals against compared to the previous year.

However, their campaign was not without disappointment. As late as Round 28, Landskrona were level on points with second-placed Östers IF, who eventually secured automatic promotion. A draw and a loss in their final two matches, combined with Östers’ back-to-back wins, left Landskrona trailing by five points. Their last match—a shocking 0-3 defeat to a mid-table and unmotivated Utsiktens BK—raised questions about their ability to handle high-pressure situations. Despite needing a win, Landskrona played with surprising lethargy, a worrying sign as they head into the playoff.

A Familiar Matchup Rekindled

The history between these two teams adds an intriguing narrative to the playoff. In 2020, Värnamo and Landskrona were promoted together from Division 1 to the Superettan. However, while Värnamo stormed to the Superettan title in 2021, earning immediate promotion to the Allsvenskan, Landskrona remained in the second tier. Their head-to-head record from that 2021 campaign is balanced, with each team winning 2-0 at home. Neither side can claim a psychological edge, but Värnamo’s experience in high-stakes matches might give them the upper hand.

Värnamo’s ability to navigate crucial games has been a hallmark of their recent success. Their direct, pragmatic style of play has often yielded results when it matters most, even against stronger opponents. On the other hand, Landskrona’s lackluster end to their Superettan campaign suggests potential fragility in pressure situations.

The Tactical Battle

Värnamo’s strengths lie in their ability to control possession and exploit spaces on the flanks. Despite their struggles in front of goal this season, their tactical flexibility has allowed them to adapt effectively to different opponents. In this tie, they will likely look to capitalize on Landskrona’s occasional lapses in concentration, especially during transitions.

Landskrona, meanwhile, will rely heavily on their defensive organization and set-piece prowess. Their backline has been one of the most disciplined in the Superettan, but they will face a sterner test against a team accustomed to Allsvenskan-level intensity. The key for Landskrona will be maintaining compactness while finding ways to release their forwards on the counterattack.

A Clash of Momentum and Mentality

This playoff is not just a clash of two teams but also a collision of mentalities. Värnamo, despite their struggles, have shown the capacity to deliver in critical moments over the past few seasons. Landskrona, on the other hand, have spent years chasing this opportunity and must now prove they belong at a higher level.

The first leg will be especially crucial. If Värnamo can impose their experience and claim a positive result on the road, they will carry a significant advantage into the second leg at home. Conversely, Landskrona will need to shake off the disappointment of their Superettan finish and deliver a disciplined, high-energy performance to keep their dream alive.

With so much at stake, this playoff promises to be a thrilling encounter between two clubs whose paths have intertwined over the years. For Värnamo, it’s a battle to maintain their hard-earned status in Sweden’s top flight. For Landskrona, it’s a chance to finally take the step they have been building toward for years. Only time will tell which narrative prevails.