When Viking got the first goal against them, there were probably many who thought, Yes Yes, it was fun while it lasted…- But then, Viking continued to drill and proved why they won the Eliteserien last season and this season are fighting against Bodø/Glimt for the gold.
Viking delivered a night for the history books when they beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 in the second leg at Stavanger Stadium.
Viking have never advanced to the Champions League and tonight they make history twice. – First for the English part and with Bodø/Glimt’s victory yesterday, Norway now has two teams in the group stage for the first time in this millennium.
Icon Thierry Henry can enjoy more magic from his favorite team Bodø/Glimt
Completely crazy
Viking equalized from the penalty spot after a nightmare opening against Dinamo Zagreb. Then it got even better.
JUBILATION: Goals from Edvin Austbø and Tobias Moi sent Viking into a two-goal lead in front of a boiling home crowd.
| Champions League Qualification, Play-Offs | Match 2 of 2 | Overall: 5–3 |
|---|---|---|
| Viking | 3–1 | Dinamo Zagreb |
| Zlatko Tripic (penalty) 18′ | 1–1 | Arbër Hoxha 10′ |
| Edvin Austbø 48′ | 2–1 | |
| Tobias Moi 50′ | 3–1 |
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“It’s absolutely crazy. It’s strong mentally. Both in Zagreb and here. We will have a tough start, and we will come back, says an affected Zlatko Tripic to TV 2 after the game.
“The atmosphere in the stadium here – I’ve never experienced anything like it. It is so deserved. It’s huge. I’m so happy for everyone. It’s absolutely insane,” he continues.
The Stavanger team won 5–3 on aggregate and secured a historic place in the Champions League phase.
With that, two Norwegian club teams will participate in the Champions League’s league games at the same time – for the first time since 1999.
“A dream I haven’t dared to dream”
“This was a lot, in other words. Everything we have dreamed of. The crowd here – it’s a complete hospital,” says Viking coach Morten Jensen to TV 2.
“We noticed it as soon as we came in today. “Damn, this is the day.” The power the audience gives us. It’s a dream I haven’t dared to dream, coach colleague Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim follows up.
“First attempt in the play-offs in the Champions League, and to make it – it’s terribly impressive. Bodø/Glimt probably took at least two playoffs to make it. Viking does it on the first try. It’s absolutely insane.
Two dream minutes turned everything around
At half-time, the score was 1-1. Then came two dream minutes that changed everything.
First, Edvin Austbø swept the ball into the net from 15 meters – before Tobias Moi just two minutes later made it 3-1 and sent the home fans skywards.
“It’s Viking’s own, local youngsters who deliver after halftime,” said TV 2 expert Jesper Mathisen after the 3-1 score.
Shaky opening – but the captain kept his cool
The visitors from Zagreb pressed hard from the start – and it didn’t take more than ten minutes before the ball was in the net. After a cross from the right, Arbër Hoxha was strongest in the box and put the visitors in the lead.
“This has been an incredibly rough opening by Viking,” said Mathisen.
“I expected them to take hold of the game and dominate – but here the opposite has happened,” he continued.
| 0-1: Arbër Hoxha celebrates the goal that sent Dinamo into the lead. Photo: Carina Johansen / NTB |
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Viking still played their way to a great chance – and afterwards the home team called for a penalty. Scott McKenna touched the ball with his hand. After a VAR check, the referee pointed to the mark.
“The ball changes direction, and Falchener comes like a train behind the duel. It goes brilliantly clear in the hand, Mathisen believed.
Captain Zlatko Tripic kept his cool and cashed in the equaliser in front of a boiling stadium.
“That’s the definition of being tough in the nuts. The captain in front of “Bad Blue Boys” – forget it. Hammering in 1-1. What a nice and clean hit, said Mathisen.
“It needed Viking, because it has been a rough start.
| The equaliser: Zlatko Tripic’s goal from the penalty spot gave hope to the Blues. Photo: Carina Johansen / NTB |
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Just before halftime, the blue-clad team had several great opportunities, but the ball never found its way between the posts.
“This gives hope before the second half. Viking has woken up, was Mathisen’s verdict before extra time came up at Stavanger Stadium.
He would be right.
Millions to the club’s coffers – and new challenges await
Also towards the end of the second half, there were great opportunities in front of both goals. However, there were no more goals – Viking won 3–1 and 5–3 on aggregate.
With the victory, Viking secures a place in the Champions League’s league phase – and millions of kroner for the club’s coffers.
Already tomorrow at 18:00 it will be clear who Viking will face in the autumn’s league phase. The first match kicks off on September 8.
Bodø/Glimt are already qualified for the league stage – and for the first time in 27 years, Norway has two teams in the Champions League at the same time.
Viking’s road to the Champions League:
- First playoff attempt in the club’s history
- Knocked out Croatian Dinamo Zagreb 5–3 on aggregate
- The decision fell on home ground in Stavanger
- Two Norwegian teams in the Champions League for the first time since 1999
| Tobias Moi had two assists against Dinamo Zagreb in the first leg – in the return he scored in front of his own crowd. |
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