Viking 2-1 Sandefjord | Norwegian Eliteserien | 19 July 2026

Viking secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sandefjord at the SR-Bank Arena on a warm July evening, maintaining their push for a top-half finish in the Eliteserien. The home side showed character to come from behind and claim all three points in front of a passionate crowd.

Match Overview

Sandefjord took a surprise lead in the 23rd minute through a well-worked counter-attack, but Viking responded just before half-time when striker Zlatko Tripic slotted home from close range after a defensive mix-up. The decisive moment came in the 67th minute when midfielder Sander Svendsen curled a beautiful free-kick over the wall and into the top corner.

Viking dominated possession throughout, with 58% of the ball, and created 14 shots to Sandefjord's 7. The visitors defended resolutely but lacked the cutting edge to snatch an equaliser late on.

Key Moments

• 23' – Sandefjord break quickly; forward runs onto a through ball and slots past goalkeeper Patrik Gunnarsson.
• 44' – A corner causes chaos in the Sandefjord box; Tripic capitalises on a loose ball to equalise.
• 67' – Svendsen steps up for a free-kick 25 yards out and bends it over the wall – unstoppable.
• 89' – Sandefjord hit the crossbar from a set-piece, leaving them frustrated.

Tactical Story

Viking manager Morten Jensen shifted to a more aggressive 4-3-3 after the equaliser, pushing full-backs high to pin Sandefjord back. The away side, set up in a compact 5-4-1, struggled to maintain possession once they lost the lead. Viking’s midfield trio of Svendsen, Joe Bell, and Harald Nilsen controlled the tempo, cutting off passing lanes and recycling possession effectively.

Standout Players

• Sander Svendsen (Viking) – Scored the winner and completed 89% of his passes. His set-piece delivery was a constant threat.
• Zlatko Tripic (Viking) – Worked tirelessly, scored the equaliser, and linked play well with the wingers.
• Herman Haugen (Sandefjord) – The right-back made several crucial tackles and blocks, limiting Viking’s early chances.

Table Impact

The win lifts Viking to 6th place in the Eliteserien standings, now on 28 points from 16 matches. Sandefjord remain in 13th, just two points above the relegation playoff spot. The result keeps Viking within touching distance of the European qualification places, while Sandefjord will need to rediscover their early-season form to avoid a relegation battle.