Skellefteå AIK and Björklöven prepare for Västerbotten derby

Skellefteå AIK and Björklöven are set to face each other in a competitive match for the first time in 19 years. The upcoming encounter revives the intense Västerbotten derby, a rivalry characterized by deep-seated animosity between the two clubs.

Former Skellefteå player John Klingberg noted the intensity of the rivalry, recalling how, after winning the Swedish Championship in 2013, he found 'Hata Löven' (Hate Löven) written across his apartment door instead of congratulations.

The rivalry is historically significant, highlighted by a legendary 1980 derby known as 'the fight of the ages,' where a massive brawl broke out among nearly all players during the warm-up. While Skellefteå won that specific match 8-5, the physical confrontation became the defining moment of the event.