Marques helps Djurgården secure 1–0 win over former club
Mikael Marques enjoyed a successful return to the Hitachi Energy Arena on Saturday, helping Djurgården defeat his former club Västerås SK 1–0. The former Minnesota United defender entered the match as a second-half substitute, helping his side lock down a clean sheet in the freezing conditions.
Match recap
In a match played in sub-freezing temperatures, Djurgården controlled much of the proceedings but found Västerås SK to be a stubborn opponent. The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Patric Åslund finished a cutback from former VSK player Max Larsson to make it 1–0.
The second half saw a flurry of substitutions as both teams rotated their squads. Västerås pushed for an equalizer in the dying moments, but the Djurgården defense held firm to secure their first victory of the 2026 preseason.
Marques’ performance
Despite initial reports suggesting he might start, Mikael Marques began the match on the bench. He entered the game in the 62nd minute as part of a mass substitution by managers Kim Bergstrand and Thomas Lagerlöf.
- The reunion: Marques replaced Miro Tenho in central defense, facing off against the team where he spent the 2024 season on loan.
- Key intervention: The 24-year-old made his presence felt late in the game. With Västerås pressing for a stoppage-time equalizer, Marques won a crucial header clearance to extinguish a dangerous attack and preserve the victory.
- Closing the door: His introduction helped settle the backline, ensuring Djurgården kept a clean sheet despite late pressure.
Stats (via Djurgården Fotboll)
- Minutes played: 28′
- Goals/Assists: 0
- Discipline: None
- Match result: Västerås SK 0–1 Djurgården
Up next
Djurgården plays their final preseason tune-up next weekend. Marques and his teammates will host Norwegian side Vålerenga on Saturday, Feb. 14, before kicking off the Swedish Cup group stage.
