Viking Make Champions League History — But Stuttgart Prove Too Strong
Viking FK wrote a new chapter in their remarkable resurrection story by competing in the UEFA Champions League for the first time, facing VfB Stuttgart on September 9. The Norwegian side lost 3–1 but the achievement caps an extraordinary rise from bankruptcy to Europe's biggest stage in under eight years. Focus now returns to the Eliteserien title race, with Kristiansund visiting Lyse Arena on Sunday.
Champions League Debut Ends in Defeat
Viking FK made history on Wednesday, September 9, stepping onto the European stage for the first time in the UEFA Champions League league phase — but Stuttgart proved a tough opening test, with the German side running out 3–1 winners.
Despite the result, the occasion itself marked an extraordinary milestone for a club that filed for bankruptcy less than eight years ago. Under sporting director Erik Nevland, who has led the club's rebuild since 2021, Viking secured back-to-back league titles and negotiated a 5–3 aggregate win over Croatian opposition in qualifying to earn their place in the competition.
Nevland Reflects on the Journey
Speaking ahead of the Stuttgart fixture, Nevland was candid about the scale of the achievement, stressing that the club was not approaching the Champions League naively. The progress from financial ruin to Europe's elite club competition in under a decade is a story few could have scripted.
Viking arrived in Stuttgart having already made their mark domestically — currently sitting second in the Eliteserien table with 44 points from 19 matches, just three points behind leaders Bodø/Glimt.
Injury Concerns Cloud the Camp
The trip to Stuttgart came with some fitness worries in tow. Defender Anders Baertelsen is sidelined for several months after suffering a foot fracture in training and subsequently undergoing surgery. Sondre Bjorshol, who was spotted on crutches following the 2–1 home win over Aalesund on August 30, is also expected to miss several weeks with a knee problem.
Veton Berisha, meanwhile, suffered a new setback in early August and remains in recovery, while Martin Roseth — despite returning to team training since late July — has yet to be given a return date from his long-term knee injury. Kristoffer Haugen, who had been managing a knock, did make it into the starting XI against Stuttgart, while Henrik Falchener came off the bench.
Eyes Turn Back to Lyse Arena
With the Champions League opener behind them, Viking's attention now shifts firmly back to domestic matters. Kristiansund BK visit Lyse Arena on Sunday, September 13, in what promises to be a crucial Eliteserien encounter as the title race enters its most decisive stretch. With Bodø/Glimt in pole position, every home point at Lyse Arena will be precious for a Viking side determined to defend their championship.
