It's something that hasn't been achieved since Helsingborgs' 2000-01 champions league group stage campaign. But the question is can AIK achieve that this summer?
Personally back in November the answer would've been yes they would have a great chance of emulating that Helsingborg side that knocked Inter Milan out in the 3rd qualifying round in 2000.
But since November things have changed. Key players to the AIK title winning side have made me think that AIK might have shot themselves in the foot for this challenge. Daniel Orlund, ok he was drafted in last year because of Tomi Maanoja's horror injury but kept goal well, Iván Óbolo, was simply AIK's main treat. His goals propelling AIK to the double. Both just two players who have since left the club for Rosenborg and Arsenal de Sárandi respectively.
At the moment I can't see AIK making the group stage.
We saw last year that Kalmar were unlucky to go out to Debrecen. But look at what Debrecen achieved, money spinning ties against some of Europe's top names in the Group stage. The main problem for Swedish clubs is the selling of star players to make quick profits. The clubs are very keen to get as much out of their talented players than holding on and actually breaking into Europe's premier competition.
When Kalmar won the league in 2008 they did the same. They sold Viktor Elm, Patrik Ingelsten and since then lost Rasmus and David Elm. It's a trend that will continue unless the clubs wake up and see what potential they really have.
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