STAVANGER, Norway – Viking FK continued their impressive run of form heading into the new season, securing a 2-0 victory over Sarpsborg 08 in a friendly match on Sunday. The win, marked by a Simen Kvia-Egeskog goal and a dominant performance, extends Viking’s unbeaten streak in pre-season play, a run that dates back to August 7, 2025, when they lost to Istanbul Basaksehir. Although the match was a friendly, serving as a final test before competitive fixtures begin, it offered a glimpse of Viking’s potential as they aim to defend their league title. The focus now shifts to the upcoming NM Cup match against Bjarg next week and the league opener against HamKam the following week.
The match wasn’t without its drama, yet. Viking midfielder Gianni Stensness received a direct red card before halftime, leaving his team to play a significant portion of the game with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Viking controlled the tempo and ultimately secured the win, demonstrating resilience and tactical flexibility. Sarpsborg 08, meanwhile, will be looking to refine their game ahead of their own league campaign.
Kvia-Egeskog Shines in General Dress Rehearsal
Simen Kvia-Egeskog was a standout performer for Viking, scoring the opening goal in the third minute. The goal came after a well-placed through ball from Joe Bell, allowing Kvia-Egeskog to calmly slot the ball into the net. He continued to threaten Sarpsborg’s defense throughout the match, showcasing his form as the season approaches. RA Stavanger reported that Kvia-Egeskog “showed that he means business in 2026.”
Viking’s dominance in the early stages of the match was evident, with the team controlling possession and creating several opportunities. Sarpsborg 08 attempted to respond with counter-attacks, but Viking’s defense, led by goalkeeper Lubomir Belko, proved solid, denying their opponents clear chances. Belko made several key saves, including stopping a shot from Sondre Sørli after seven minutes and another from Sørli shortly after.
Red Card Doesn’t Derail Viking
The sending-off of Gianni Stensness presented a challenge for Viking, forcing them to adjust their tactics and dig deep. Despite being a man down, they continued to create chances and maintain control of the midfield. Zlatko Tripic played a key role in setting up opportunities, including a pass to Kvia-Egeskog in the 26th minute, but the midfielder’s shot was blocked.
Kvia-Egeskog continued to test the Sarpsborg defense, firing a shot just wide of the crossbar in the 28th minute. The team’s ability to maintain pressure and create scoring opportunities despite the red card highlighted their depth and tactical adaptability. Aftenbladet noted the match was “ampert,” suggesting a physical contest despite the friendly nature of the game.
Sarpsborg 08’s Perspective
While Sarpsborg 08 ultimately fell short, their coach expressed admiration for Viking’s performance. Stavanger Aftenblad reported that the Sarpsborg coach was “mightily impressed” and “would not be surprised if Viking takes gold again.” This sentiment underscores the respect Viking has earned within the league.
Sarpsborg 08’s own attacking efforts were largely contained by Viking’s defense, and they struggled to create sustained pressure. The team will likely analyze the match to identify areas for improvement as they prepare for their upcoming league fixtures. Sarpsborg 08 acknowledged the defeat as a “tap mot sterk motstand” – a loss against strong opposition – on their official website.
Viking’s unbeaten run in pre-season demonstrates their strong preparation and confidence heading into the new campaign. The team’s ability to overcome adversity, as evidenced by their performance after Stensness’s red card, suggests they possess the mental fortitude to compete at the highest level. The return of Felt O to the stadium also provided a boost for the home supporters.
Looking ahead, Viking will turn their attention to their Norwegian Cup (NM) match against Bjarg next week, followed by their league opener against HamKam. These matches will be the true test of their pre-season preparations and will set the tone for their title defense. The team will undoubtedly be aiming to continue their winning momentum and establish themselves as strong contenders once again.
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