Lugi lost 34–35 to Aranäs in the final round of the Swedish handball Allsvenskan, missing the league title by the narrowest margin. Captain Albert Månsson called the defeat ”incredibly bitter and heavy”. Qualification play now awaits against VästeråsIrsta.
In a dramatic season finale at Arenan, Lugi led the Swedish handball Allsvenskan by two points heading into the last round. To secure the title and direct promotion to Handbollsligan, they needed at least a point against Aranäs. The match ended 34–35 (19–19) after Lugi squandered a 34–33 lead in the closing minutes. ”Incredibly bitter and heavy. The position we had with just one minute left and then it turns completely”, said captain Albert Månsson afterwards. He detailed two missed chances: a shot hitting the inside of the post and one from Leo Gegaj. Aranäs benefited from three rebounds in their final three minutes, with the winner coming seven seconds from time after the ball ricocheted off the crossbar to a free player. Månsson faulted Lugi's defense, especially in the first half, despite scoring 34 goals offensively. 2388 spectators, including a fan section with a large tifo, provided chills and energy. ”They give so much... It's the best crowd I've ever played in front of”, said Månsson. Finishing second means a best-of-five qualification series against VästeråsIrsta, starting at home on Tuesday. ”If we win the qualification, we're ready to play in Handbollsligan”, the captain stated.
