How Norwegian club Viking became the talk of Europe

Viking chief executive Eirik Bjorno and sporting director Erik Nevland reflected on the Norwegian club's journey to the Champions League following a historic 3-3 draw against Bayern Munich. After suffering a 5-0 defeat in Norway's second tier in 2018, the club rebounded to secure its first domestic league title in 34 years in 2025 under joint-head coaches Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim and Morten Jensen.

Club leaders credited homegrown academy talent, local culture, and an unconventional joint-coaching model for their resurgence. As Viking prepares to face Unai Emery's Aston Villa at Villa Park, Bjorno and Nevland stated that the financial rewards of the Champions League will be directed toward long-term stadium and training facilities rather than reckless spending.