Svein Maalen, Rosenborg's manager, prepares his squad for a crucial first leg against Swedish side Hammarby in the Conference League qualification playoffs. The Scandinavian derby kicks off on August 7, 2025, with bookmakers giving the Norwegian hosts a slight edge for the home fixture.
"We respect Hammarby's current form, but our home record speaks for itself – we haven't lost here all season," – Maalen likely tells his players ahead of Thursday's challenge.
The once-dominant "Rosenborg" find themselves in unfamiliar territory domestically. Norway's most decorated club hasn't claimed a league title since 2018 and currently sits outside the top four after 18 rounds with just 30 points. Their recent 1-4 defeat to KFUM Oslo raises questions about their defensive stability.
Interestingly, their home form tells a different story. "Rosenborg" remains unbeaten at Lerkendal Stadion this season with five wins and four draws in nine league matches. This resilience was on full display in the previous qualification round, where they dismantled Lithuanian side Banga 5-0 at home, advancing 7-0 on aggregate.
Hammarby arrives in better overall form. The Swedish vice-champions are genuine title contenders this season, sitting just four points behind the leaders with 39 points from 18 matches. Their away record, however, shows vulnerability – just four wins from eight road games compared to eight victories in ten home matches.
The Swedes advanced through a tighter contest in the previous round, twice drawing with Belgium's Charleroi before prevailing in extra time away from home.
Despite never facing each other before, these Scandinavian neighbors bring contrasting strengths to this first-ever meeting. Can "Rosenborg" leverage their home fortress mentality, or will Hammarby's superior league form prove decisive? The return leg in Sweden will ultimately settle who advances to the next round of qualification.
