

Grindavík 1–3 Afturelding | Iceland 1. Deild Karla | 28 May 2026
Afturelding delivered a dominant second‑half display to overturn a half‑time deficit and claim a convincing 3–1 victory over Grindavík at the Grindavíkurvöllur. The result continued Afturelding's impressive form in the Iceland 1. Deild Karla, strengthening their push for the promotion places, while Grindavík slipped closer to the relegation scrap.
First‑Half: Grindavík Strike First
The home side began with purpose and took a deserved lead in the 18th minute. A well‑worked free‑kick routine ended with midfielder Ólafur Jónsson volleying home from the edge of the box. Grindavík's energetic pressing unsettled Afturelding, who struggled to find their rhythm during the opening half hour.
However, Afturelding gradually grew into the game. Striker Brynjar Gunnarsson saw a header tipped over the bar just before half‑time, hinting at a shift in momentum.
Second‑Half Turnaround
Afturelding emerged from the tunnel with renewed vigour and equalised in the 52nd minute. Left‑back Axel Rúnarsson overlapped and delivered a low cross that Kristján Ólafsson steered past the goalkeeper from close range. The visitors then took the lead in the 67th minute when a corner kick was met powerfully by centre‑back Arnar Pálsson, whose header gave Grindavík no chance.
Grindavík pushed for an equaliser but left gaps at the back. Afturelding capitalised in the 83rd minute when substitute Haukur Magnússon raced onto a long ball and coolly slotted home to make it 3–1. The remaining minutes were controlled comfortably by the away side, who defended in numbers and denied Grindavík any clear opportunities.
Key Talking Points
- Afturelding's Resilience – The away side showed excellent character to recover from an early deficit and dominate the second half.
- Set‑Piece Danger – Both of Afturelding's second and third goals came from set‑pieces, underlining their aerial threat.
- Grindavík's Defensive Frailties – The home side have now conceded three or more goals in four of their last six league matches, a worrying trend.
Table Implications
The victory lifts Afturelding into the top three of the 1. Deild Karla standings, keeping them within striking distance of the automatic promotion places. Grindavík, meanwhile, remain in 10th position, just a point above the relegation zone. With a busy schedule ahead, head coach Þórarinn Jónsson will need to address the defensive lapses quickly if his side are to avoid a battle against the drop.
For Afturelding, the win reinforces their credentials as genuine promotion contenders. Their collective spirit and ability to grind out results away from home will be vital as the season progresses in the tight Icelandic second tier.