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‘I’ve waited 34 years for this’ – Viking’s ‘special’ story

When Viking FK ended a 34-year Norwegian title drought last year, it was days like these they were dreaming of - preparing to visit Aston Villa in the Champions League.

Published: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 5:49 AM
‘I’ve waited 34 years for this’ – Viking’s ‘special’ story
Key Things to Know
  • Norwegian champions Viking FK face Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League following a recent 3-3 draw with Bayern Munich.
  • Joint head coaches Morten Jensen and Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim led Viking to their first league title in 34 years last season.
  • The Stavanger club was relegated in 2017 before securing promotion back to Norway's top flight in 2018.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Aston Villa's Champions League opponents Viking FK are experiencing a major revival after winning their first Norwegian title in 34 years. Joint head coaches Morten Jensen and Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim led the Stavanger-based club to the domestic championship last season and into Europe's elite competition. The Norwegian leaders travel to Villa Park following an impressive 3-3 draw against Bayern Munich.

Viking previously suffered relegation to the second tier in 2017 before rebuilding through local players and their youth academy. Captain Zlatko Tripic, who originally joined during their 2018 promotion campaign, assisted two goals in the recent draw with Bayern Munich and remains a central figure in the team's European journey.

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