GAIS have ended a 36-year wait for European football. Canadian left-back Matteo De Brienne settled the tie in the 42nd minute, rifling home after a rolling ball out wide. Nordsjälland goalkeeper Andreas Hansen had no chance as the shot arrowed into the far corner. The win gives GAIS a 1-0 lead ahead of next week’s return in Farum on Thursday 31 July 2026. In Allsvenskan, GAIS sit 13th with zero points from two games, but in Europe they showed a different face.

How the game was decided

De Brienne provided the decisive moment. He had rehearsed the strike countless times in training, yet it was only in this match that it found the net. Team-mate Robert Frosti Torkelsson shook his head afterwards. – I’d have broken my neck trying that, he admitted.

Matteo De Brienne himself was buzzing with adrenaline. – It’s like a dream, he told Sportbladet’s broadcast. Back in Canada his parents had watched the game and seen the somersault that followed his goal. But his mum isn’t a fan of the celebration. – No, she hates it when I do that, he laughed.

Why the win matters

For GAIS the victory is more than three points. It confirms the club’s return to the European stage after decades away. They played with confidence in the first half and deserved their lead. Coach Fredrik Holmberg was pleased, though admitted the second period slipped.

– We played the way we wanted in the first half and earned the goal, Holmberg said. He also knows the challenge ahead. – We realise it will be tougher next time.

Nordsjälland boss Jens Fönsskov Olsen was less impressed. – We’re usually better on the ball. We must play faster and find positions quicker, he said.

What’s next for GAIS?

With the win GAIS head to Denmark with a strong first-leg lead. They currently sit 13th in Allsvenskan, 0 pts, 0W-0D-2L from 2 games, recent form LL. But in Europe only this match counts. Their next league outing is at home to Malmö FF on 16 August 2026 against the table’s runners-up.

For De Brienne the focus is on delivering again. – I’ll do the somersault next time I score, he said. Though mum may not be quite so happy.