'I've waited 34 years for this' - Viking's 'special' story
Retold by Oddsrama · 21 October 2026
Viking FK's fairytale continues. After ending a 34-year wait for the Norwegian league title last season, the Stavanger outfit is now rubbing shoulders with Europe's elite in the Champions League. Their upcoming trip to Aston Villa represents exactly the kind of fixture the club's players dreamed about during their long years in the wilderness—and captain Zlatko Tripic's words after their recent 3-3 draw with Bayern Munich capture that emotion perfectly. The midfielder, who arrived when Viking were in the second tier, simply said: "I've waited 34 years for this." That draw, where Viking led 2-0 before needing a last-minute rescue against the German champions, showed they belong at this level.
What makes Viking's resurgence even more special is how it's been built. Joint head coaches Morten Jensen and Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim—both club lifers who came through as assistants together—took over in 2021 and have transformed the club's fortunes. They've guided Viking to back-to-back titles, with last season's crown coming on the final day after a 5-1 demolition of Valerenga. Their Champions League group is nothing short of a dream: Bayern, Atletico Madrid, Napoli, and Aston Villa. Jensen's description—"the whole buffet"—says it all. For a club that hasn't been in a European group stage since 2005-06, every night feels unreal.
From a betting perspective, this underdog story adds intrigue to every fixture. Viking sit three points clear in Norway's league (though with a game in hand over Bodo/Glimt), showing domestic form remains sharp. However, the Champions League is a different beast entirely. Their ability to compete—evidenced by that Bayern draw—suggests they won't be walkover opponents, even against established heavyweights. Monitor their European displays closely; they could spring surprises, especially at home where Stavanger creates a fierce atmosphere.
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