Published: November 10, 2024, 21:18Last updated: November 11, 2024, 07:28
With two rounds remaining to play, there is now a two-point lead in favor of Brann at the top of the table. This is the outcome following an extremely eventful and dramatic match in Bodø.
Playing with ten men, Glimt came back and turned a 0-1 deficit into a 2-1 lead, including a volley scored by captain Patrick Berg. Substitute Andreas Helmersen then pressured Stian Stray Molde into putting the ball into his own net ten minutes before the end.
At that point, many at Aspmyra believed the victory was secured, but Henrik Skogvold had other ideas. He netted the equalizer that surely ignited the fans in Bergen and Brann.
The goal came just before full time and marked the end of a breathless half.
– It feels a bit of both. It’s frustrating that we conceded at the end. Clearly, we’ve made it difficult for ourselves now with a long string of poor performances and weak results. We will count up in the end if this point is worth anything, said Patrick Berg to TV 2 after the match.
Cold Shower
Stian Stray Molde scored his sixth league goal of the season when he shocked the home fans and put the guests from the lumber town into the lead before half-time.
This cold shower came at a very bad time for a Glimt team that was dependent on three points to avoid giving Brann a gap at the top of the table.
The gold challenger from Bergen narrowly defeated LSK after a last-minute goal on Saturday. This put heavy pressure on Glimt leading into the evening match on Sunday.
In that match, Glimt had the most ball possession and the most shots both before and after Stray Molde’s opening goal, but the yellow team struggled for a long time to create really big chances against a rock-solid defensively organized Fredrikstad team.
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Red Card
Midway through the second half, the home team faced another setback. Fredrikstad player Patrick Metcalfe went down after a challenge with Glimt pillar Jostein Gundersen. Referee Rohit Saggi produced the yellow card, which Gundersen already had one of.
This meant Glimt was suddenly down to ten men in a crucial match. It made the uphill battle even tougher for Kjetil Knutsen’s squad.
The question is whether there was contact between Metcalfe and Gundersen. The latter clearly tried to avoid the two making contact with each other.
– I’m almost certain he was touched. No players fall like that if they don’t feel someone is close to them, said TV 2 expert Simen Stamsø Møller.
Saggi seemed confident in his decision. The crowd at Aspmyra responded with a deafening chorus of boos as Gundersen walked to the locker room.
Even with one less player, the home team chased victory at the end of the match and were rewarded with two hard-earned goals. Then Fredrikstad struck the final blow.
Glimt wraps up the season with matches against relegation-bound Odd and nearly relegation-bound Lillestrøm. Brann will finish with far tougher tasks against Viking and Molde.
Read also: Injury-time penalty secured Brann victory – LSK heading towards 1st division
Eliteserien, round 28
Bodø/Glimt – Fredrikstad 2-2 (0-1)
Goals: 0-1 Stian Stray Molde (40), 1-1 Patrick Berg (75), 2-1 Molde (own goal 79), 2-2 Henrik Skogvold (88).
Referee: Rohit Saggi.
Yellow cards: Jostein Gundersen, Kjetil Knutsen, Ulrik Saltnes, Bodø/Glimt, Patrick Metcalfe, Sondre Sørløkk, Morten Bjørlo, Henrik Kjelsrud Johansen, Fredrikstad.
Red card: Jostein Gundersen (66), Bodø/Glimt.
Teams:
Fredrikstad (3-2-3-2): Jonathan Fischer – Maxwell Woledzi, Sigurd Kvile, Fallou Fall (Daniel Eid from 82.) – Simen Rafn (Jeppe Kjær from 82.), Stian Stray Molde – Patrick Metcalfe (Brandur Hendriksson from 77.), Júliús Magnússon, Morten Bjørlo (Henrik Kjelsrud Johansen from 82.) – Sondre Sørløkk (Henrik Skogvold from 77.), Jóannes Bjartalíd.
Other matches: HamKam – Rosenborg 0-2, Haugesund – Tromsø 2-0, Kristiansund – Viking 0-1, Sandefjord – Odd 1-0, Sarpsborg – Molde 2-2, Strømsgodset – KFUM Oslo 1-0, Bodø/Glimt – Fredrikstad 2-2.
Interview with Football Expert Jørn Haakonsen on Brann and Glimt’s Season Finale
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Jørn! Thank you for joining us today. It’s an exciting time in the league with just two rounds left. Brann currently holds a slim two-point lead at the top after a dramatic match involving Glimt. What are your thoughts on how this league battle is shaping up?
Jørn Haakonsen: Thank you for having me! It’s certainly an exhilarating time for both clubs. Brann’s slight lead is precarious, especially given Glimt’s resilient performance in their recent match. The tension between them is palpable, and it will make for a thrilling end to the season.
Editor: Speaking of that match, Glimt had a rollercoaster experience against Fredrikstad. They were down to ten players but still managed to fight back from a 0-1 deficit to take a lead before conceding the equalizer in the dying moments. What does this say about their character?
Haakonsen: It highlights their determination and fighting spirit. Being reduced to ten men is a daunting scenario for any team, yet Glimt showcased their resilience. Captain Patrick Berg scored a fabulous volley, showing leadership, and it seemed for a moment that they would secure a crucial victory. That late equalizer from Henrik Skogvold must have felt like a punch to the gut, though.
Editor: Absolutely, that must have been devastating for them. Patrick Berg mentioned the frustration of conceding at the end and recognized a pattern of poor performances leading up to this match. Do you think their historical strengths can see them through to the end?
Haakonsen: Well, Berg’s comments reflect a crucial self-awareness within the team. They must focus on consistency and learn from their mistakes. If they can tighten up defensively, especially with tough matches against relegation-threatened teams ahead, they have a good chance to capitalize on Brann’s potential missteps.
Editor: The referee’s decision against Jostein Gundersen resulting in a red card was controversial as some claimed there may have been no contact. How crucial do you think such decisions are at this point in the season?
Haakonsen: Refereeing decisions can be game-changers, particularly in high-stakes matches. This season, we’ve seen how critical each point can be, and such calls can tilt the balance of power. The Glimt players must rally and channel that frustration positively. Controversial calls are part of the game, and teams that adapt quickest tend to thrive.
Editor: Looking ahead, Brann has some tough matches against Viking and Molde. Do you think their lead is enough to withstand that pressure?
Haakonsen: It certainly won’t be easy for Brann. Viking and Molde are strong opponents, and both will want to finish their seasons on a high. Brann will need to maintain composure and step up their game, especially under pressure. The remaining matches could very well determine who lifts the trophy.
Editor: if you had to choose one factor that will decide who comes out on top—Glimt’s fighting spirit or Brann’s ability to withstand pressure—what would it be?
Haakonsen: That’s a tough call! I believe it might come down to momentum. If Glimt can take the emotional highs from this recent match and convert them into a positive drive moving forward, they could turn the tables. But if Brann keeps their nerve and plays strategically in their high-stakes matches, they could clinch the title. It’s bound to be a thrilling finish!
Editor: Thank you, Jørn! Your insights certainly add much to the excitement around the final matches of the season. We look forward to seeing how this drama unfolds!
Haakonsen: Thank you! It’s a pleasure to discuss the game, and I, too, am eagerly anticipating the climax of this season!