Absolutely no one predicted Viking to be champions this season, even though in 2024 we saw a stronger Stavanger team than in a long time. – Last season they were 3rd place behind Bodø/Glimt and this year, after a strong autumn, they managed to keep the reigning league champions away with a point.
Both Bodø/Glimt and Viking ended the season as true champions and served up a goal celebration.
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Bodø/Glimt won 5 – 0 over Fredrikstad at Aspmyra, while Viking became champions at home at Lyse Arena by beating an awkward Vålerenga 5 – 1.
Viking is the Norwegian champion – for the first time in 34 years.
One point separated league leader Viking and second place, who was also the reigning champion, Bodø/Glimt. Just one point would also separate the teams when the last round was completed.
Viking took an early lead at home against Vålerenga through Edvin Austbø, and only five minutes later they had a two-goal lead when Martin Røseth extended. Before halftime, team captain Zlatko Tripic had also scored to make it 3-0.
However, Bodø did not give up without a fight, and took control of what they could influence.
At home against Fredrikstad, Jens Petter Hauge gave Bodø the lead after 38 minutes, and before halftime, two more goals had come through Fredrik Bjørkan and Ole Blomberg.
Bodø won 5-0 in the end, but it didn’t help much. Viking won their match 5-1 and took home the Eliteserien with a one-point margin.
Even before the last league round, it was clear that Haugesund and Strømsgodset will be relegated and that Bryne will have to go out in the qualifiers. – It became clear a few days ago that Lillestrøm and Start are promoted from the OBOS League.
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