Compared to the successful qualifiers in 2014, 2015 (both Champions League) and 2018 (Europa League), Malmö was this time favorite in the last qualifying stage for the Europa League.

The Scouts are ranked 77th club team in Europe - Israeli Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv, which reached the qualifying via win in the domestic cup, is found in position 284.

Rosenberg showed the way

However, there was no underestimation in the first meeting before almost 14,000 spectators at the Stadium in Malmö. Well aware that a dropped goal at home can be devastating in the qualifying game, the Malmö players appeared disciplined and with great patience against an ultra-defensive Bnei Yehuda.

Admittedly, it took a while before the first really big goal came, but when MFF managed to unlock the visitors' defense, it ended clinically.

Team captain Markus Rosenberg, since his return to the MFF for the 2014 season, has been the club's leader in Europe. Now the 36-year-old - who has said he is in his last season of his career - once again showed the way for his MFF.

In the 36th minute he created a smart surface in line with the penalty spot and when the pass came from Anders Christiansen Rosenberg pulled the lead with a dream hit. The target was his fifth in order in Europe this summer.

Four minutes later, the home team linked an iron grip on the double meet. Midback Rasmus Bengtsson has already scored three goals for MFF in the qualifying game - now his fourth came.

Series finale on Sunday

On a free kick from the right, Bengtsson appeared on the far post and bumped the 2-0 ball with his stomach. The away team does manage to swing the ball at the post and the keeper, but the assistant referee has determined that the ball has already crossed the finish line

Inner midfielder Oscar Lewicki is also not known as a notorious goal scorer, but immediately after the break, 27-year-old MFF gave a dream start to the second act when he thundered in 3-0. A goal that also determined the end result.

Before returning to Israel on Thursday next week, MFF series leader Djurgården will meet on Sunday at home in an all-Swedish series finale.