Aleksanjans scores twice as Norrköping clinch Swedish second division title

Latvia international Alberts Aleksanjans scored twice as IFK Norrköping secured the Swedish second division title and promotion to the Allsvenskan with an emphatic 4-0 away victory over Norrby. The 20-year-old forward opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time before completing his brace with a superb long-range strike late in the match.

Aleksanjans, who made his senior international debut for Latvia at the end of September, had been enjoying a productive spell in recent weeks, registering an assist in each of Norrköping’s previous two matches.

With victory against Norrby enough to secure the Superettan title, the Latvian youngster was handed a rare opportunity in the starting lineup, making his first start since September 13. He made the most of his chance, playing a decisive role in the victory that confirmed Norrköping’s title.

The breakthrough arrived in first-half stoppage time when Aleksanjans met a delivery from the right flank with a precise first-time finish, sending the ball into the net to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. It was his second league goal of the season and ensured Norrköping entered the interval with the advantage.

Despite taking the lead before the break, Norrköping had to wait until the closing stages to make their superiority count on the scoreboard. The visitors eventually doubled their advantage in the 80th minute before adding a third goal ten minutes later, effectively putting the result beyond doubt.

However, Aleksanjans was not finished. Two minutes into stoppage time, the Latvian forward received possession inside the opposition half and drove towards goal. After creating space for himself outside the penalty area, he unleashed a perfectly placed strike into the bottom-left corner, completing his first brace of the season and sealing an impressive 4-0 victory.

The result confirmed Norrköping as Superettan champions with two rounds remaining, securing an immediate return to the Allsvenskan for the 2027 season.

The Swedish club had been relegated from the top flight at the end of the 2025 campaign, bringing an end to a 15-season spell in the Allsvenskan that began in 2011. Their stay in the second division has therefore lasted just one season.

The 20-year-old has made 22 league appearances this season, contributing three goals and two assists.