Viking FK: The Norwegian Underdogs Ready to Take on Aston Villa

Viking FK's journey in the Champions League has just begun, and it’s already been a rollercoaster ride. After a tough 3-1 loss to Stuttgart, they managed to snatch a dramatic 3-3 draw against Bayern Munich, coming from 2-0 down at halftime. Captain Zlatko Tripic, who has been with the club since its second-tier days in 2018, expressed his pride after the Bayern match. "I could have played another 90 minutes. I'm so incredibly proud. I've waited 34 years for this," he told Norwegian outlet TV2. Tripic is emblematic of Viking's resurgence, which is also marked by the leadership of their joint head coaches. Morten Jensen and Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim, who took the reins together in 2021 after serving as assistants, have been instrumental in the team's success, leading them to victory in the Norwegian league last season and a strong start this year. In a conversation with the BBC’s Euro Leagues show, Aarsheim shared the significance of their roles. "We were born Viking fans, and this is more than just a job for us. It’s a dream come true to manage the club we love together." The coaches possess a unique perspective on Viking's stature in football. Aarsheim has stated, "For us, Viking is Barcelona. We see it as more than a club; it’s the best team in the world in our minds." Jensen added his thoughts, emphasizing the importance of taking risks. "Sometimes you have to go against the tide to achieve greatness. If we just follow the norm, we risk becoming a pale imitation of others." This season marks Viking's first appearance in the group stage of European competition since 2005–06, and the excitement is palpable. Aarsheim remarked, "It feels surreal. We thought we might have to start in the Conference League, and now we’re in the Champions League." Their upcoming fixtures include challenging matches against Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid, and Napoli, which Jensen described as "the whole buffet" of experiences. "We’re going to England, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Facing teams like Atletico Madrid and playing at Villa Park is incredibly exciting for us." Viking's recent league title victory was a monumental moment for the club and its fans. They clinched it on the final day of last season, defeating Valerenga 5-1 to secure their first league title since 1991. "The atmosphere in the city was electric. It brought everyone together, and it’s something special that we might not experience again for a long time," shared Lars Risan, a passionate Viking supporter. Currently, Viking sits three points clear at the top of the league, although they have played one match more than their nearest rivals, Bodo. Historically, Viking is one of Norway's most successful clubs, boasting nine league titles, although six of those came between 1972 and 1982. The club has seen several notable British figures through its doors, including Bill Foulkes and Roy Hodgson. Their legacy includes players who have graced the Premier League, such as Erik Nevland and Brede Hangeland. Despite a challenging spell in 2017 that saw them relegated for the first time in over three decades, Viking has managed to rebuild. Risan noted, "Relegation turned out to be a blessing in disguise, allowing them to refocus on their roots and develop local talent." With a renewed commitment to their youth academy and local players, Viking is laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. As they prepare for their first Champions League match, the excitement is palpable both on and off the pitch.