Viking FK Host Dinamo Zagreb in Champions League Play-Off Showdown
Viking FK face Croatian powerhouse Dinamo Zagreb in a two-legged UEFA Champions League play-off, with the crucial return leg set for Lyse Arena on 26 August. Sitting second in the Eliteserien with 40 points, the Stavanger club are in the form of their lives heading into the continent's biggest club competition. A packed home crowd will look to drive Viking into the Champions League proper.
Champions League Playoff Beckons
Viking FK are preparing for one of the biggest weeks in the club's recent history, with the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off round tie against Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb scheduled for Tuesday, 18 August, away in Zagreb. The return leg will be played at Viking Stadion (Lyse Arena) on Wednesday, 26 August, giving Stavanger supporters the chance to witness top-level European football on home soil.
The club currently sit second in the 2026 Eliteserien table with 40 points from 17 matches — just one point behind leaders Bodø/Glimt — underscoring just how strong a domestic campaign they have mounted ahead of this continental showdown.
Coming Off a Defeat in Trondheim
Viking head into the European fixture on the back of a 2-1 Eliteserien defeat at Rosenborg on Friday, 14 August. Emil Konradsen Ceïde and Amin Chiakha were on target for Rosenborg, while Peter Christiansen pulled one back for Viking. Despite the result, Viking's overall form remains excellent: 13 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses across 17 league outings, with a goal difference of +23.
Prior to the Trondheim setback, the side had looked in commanding form, beating Sarpsborg 08 2-1 at Viking Stadion on 8 August in front of 15,759 fans, and thrashing IK Start 3-0 away on 1 August.
Eyes on Lyse Arena
All roads lead back to Lyse Arena on 26 August, when Stavanger will host the Dinamo Zagreb return leg. A home sell-out atmosphere could prove decisive as Viking bid to reach the full UEFA Champions League group stage for what would be a historic achievement.
Following that European date, the club return to Eliteserien action on 29 August, also at home, welcoming bottom-half side Aalesund FK — a fixture that offers the chance to consolidate second place in the table and maintain pressure on Bodø/Glimt at the summit.
