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 following a historic Champions League draw against Bayern Munich. After falling into the second tier in 2018, the Stavanger side recovered to capture their first league title in 34 years in 2025. Nevland and Bjorno credited their turnaround to local leadership, academy development, and an unusual joint-coach structure under Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim and Morten Jensen.

Viking capitalized on a Michael Olise red card to secure the draw against Bayern, drawing criticism from Bayern board member Max Eberl toward Viking captain Zlatko Tripic. Domestically, Viking are level on points with Bodo/Glimt with seven league matches remaining. The club plans to reinvest Champions League revenues into facilities and long-term sustainability ahead of upcoming European fixtures against Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid, and Napoli.