- Champions League draw with Bayern Munich
- Why the club means everything to Nevland
- The low point of losing 5‑0 in the second tier
- Winning the title again after a 34‑year wait
- Why they do it differently with joint‑coaches
- Building something sustainable for the future
Could a club once dreaming of survival now write history? Nevland, Viking’s sporting director, chose the second option. “Early goals are always possible,” he says. “But this night was beyond anything we imagined—pure history.”
The third strike sealed the comeback. Bayern rallied with three of their own, yet Michael Olise’s red card handed Viking their moment – a draw that marked the Champions League’s arrival in Stavanger.
“It’s the biggest match in our history,” Bjorno admits. “The key lesson is we can truly compete and match the pace.” Viking proved that, shocking the Bundesliga champions on several fronts.
Max Eberl of Bayern was livid after Zlatko Tripic’s role in Olise’s dismissal, branding Viking captain a “scumbag.” Nevland laughed, “He’s our scumbag and we love him.”
To grasp why 48‑year‑old Nevland savours this era, recall his past. The former Norway international left Viking as a teen for Manchester United, later starring for Fulham in the Premier League.
But this is his club. Four playing spells at Viking began early – his mother even worked there. “I’ve dreamed of this since I was five,” he says.
“I joined the academy at seven and never felt this as a player. Winning the league and now representing Viking in Europe feels like a hometown dream. It’s the proudest moment of my life.”
That pride mirrors the club’s rollercoaster journey. Bjorno remembers Viking’s rock‑bottom eight years ago in the second tier. “The low point was a 5‑0 loss to Nest‑Sotra,” he recalls.
Bjorno chuckles, “That club doesn’t exist anymore.” In June 2018, only 274 fans saw Viking fall four‑nil down before halftime – their nadir.
How did they climb? Acceptance was the first step. Nevland bluntly notes, “We realized we were terrible. Something had to change.”
Bjorno points to broader trends. Norwegian football is improving as the federation pushes player development, yet Viking alone has capitalised.
Nevland credits a local formula. “Our academy produces homegrown talent. Leaders who love the town and have long ties to the club drive us forward.”
Having passionate insiders matters, he argues. “These are the biggest jobs they’ve ever had,” Nevland says, noting that culture endures even as players rotate.
The joint‑coaching model exemplifies that culture. Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim spent years on the pitch, while fellow head coach Morten Jensen was a teenage prospect.
It’s an unconventional job‑share, but it clicks for Viking. “Regardless of opinions, we ask what benefits Viking most. We truly believed it would improve us,” Bjorno explains.
Nevland sees it as a bonus others miss. “It was bold, a gamble, but we knew we needed a different path. It worked. Now I can’t imagine another solution.”
Sustaining the surge won’t be easy, yet domestically Viking battles Bodø/Glimt for the title, level on points with seven games left.
In smaller leagues, only one club reaps Champions League cash while others fall behind. With two Norwegian sides in the competition, a new dynamic could emerge.
“Financially it’s a different world,” Nevland notes. “It gives us a solid base, freedom and security, plus the chance to sign varied players.” The goal is to turn that into lasting growth.
“We’ll review facilities, training grounds, stadium,” Bjorno adds. “We want Viking strong a century from now. What choices now will let the next generation keep building?”
Nevland agrees they won’t get carried away. They’ll relish the moment. “The biggest danger is losing yourself chasing success. Bigger clubs have shown that.”
Viking knows its identity and stakes. “Everything,” Bjorno says. “We spend every spare minute improving. Seeing kids in Viking shirts across the city shows it’s bigger than sport.”
“We’ve endured darkness, so we know it’s a rollercoaster. We’re excited for the rest of the journey.” With trips to Aston Villa, Atlético Madrid and Napoli ahead, many twists await.