Fans at the SR-Bank Arena were treated to a goal-fest as Viking thrashed Start Kristiansand 6-3 in a wild Norwegian Eliteserien contest on 16 May 2026. The match featured nine goals, two penalties, and a red card, making it one of the most entertaining games of the season so far.

Match Overview

From the opening minute, both sides played with reckless abandon. Viking, desperate to close the gap on the league leaders, tore forward at every opportunity, while Start tried to match them blow for blow. The result was an end‑to‑end classic that left the home crowd exhilarated.

Key Moments

• 8’ – GOAL! Viking’s Zlatko Tripić opened the scoring with a low drive from 20 yards.
• 15’ – GOAL! Start replied instantly through Joacim Holtan, who tapped in after a goalmouth scramble.
• 23’ – GOAL! Viking regained the lead when Lars-Jørgen Salvesen headed home a corner.
• 31’ – GOAL! Start equalised again – this time a brilliant free kick by Eirik Schulze.
• 40’ – PENALTY! Viking’s Harald Nilsen converted from the spot after a foul on Sander Berge.
• 45+1’ – GOAL! Viking made it 4-2 just before half-time, Salvesen bagging his second.
• 54’ – GOAL! Start pulled one back through a deflected shot from Simen Juklerød.
• 60’ – RED CARD! Start’s Mathias Rasmussen was sent off for a reckless tackle.
• 68’ – GOAL! Viking’s Sander Berge made it 5-3 with a clinical finish.
• 82’ – GOAL! Tripić completed his brace with a curling effort to make it 6-3.

Tactical Battle

Viking coach Morten Jensen opted for an aggressive 4‑3‑3, pressing high and exploiting the pace of his wingers. Start’s 3‑5‑2 looked promising on the break but left huge gaps in midfield, which Viking ruthlessly exploited. The sending-off only compounded Start’s defensive woes.

Standout Players

Lars-Jørgen Salvesen was the man of the match, scoring twice and providing an assist. Zlatko Tripić also shone with a double. For Start, Eirik Schulze’s free kick was a highlight, but his team’s defending let them down.

Table Impact

Viking’s big win lifts them to fourth in the Eliteserien, while Start remain in 12th, still only three points above the relegation zone.