Viking FK v Sabah
Match Timeline & MomentumMomentumThis graph shows how much pressure a team applied during the match. Taller columns indicate stronger attacking periods, based on things like possession, shots, goals, big chances, and other key stats.
Commentary
Viking prevail 4-1 over 10-man Sabah in a battle between two Champions League debutants, with the Norwegian champions recording their first-ever victory in the competition. While the scoreline suggests a straightforward evening, it was anything but. Sabah struck first after a devastating counter-attack, with Mbina coolly slotting home after 11 minutes to silence the home crowd. Viking responded before the break, however, as Botheim threw himself at Haugen's inviting cross to restore parity. Jensen's side emerged for the second half with greater purpose and control, finishing with 2.68 xG compared to Sabah's 1.49. The turning point arrived when Zedadka was penalised for handball, allowing Tripic to step up from the spot. Although Pokatilov saved the initial penalty, the Viking captain reacted quickest to bury the rebound and put his side ahead. The contest then swung dramatically in the hosts' favour when McCarthy was shown a straight red card after the referee reviewed his challenge on Christiansen at the pitchside monitor. Falchener added a third from a Tripic corner to settle any lingering nerves, before Botheim grabbed his second of the night after a comedy of errors in the Sabah defence gifted Viking a fourth. The Norwegian champions can now turn their attention back to the Eliteserien title race and a meeting with KFUM, while Sabah return home to face Shamakhi in domestic action. That's all from us here – until next time, goodbye!
FULL-TIME: VIKING 4-1 SABAH
Christiansen has been impressive from the bench, and now has an assist for his showing.

GOOOOOOAAAAALLLL!!! VIKING HAVE A FOURTH! IT'S 4-1! Sabah gift-wrap another goal for the Norwegian side! A long ball from Ostbo travels all the way into the Sabah penalty area, where Dasdamirov looks to usher it back to his goalkeeper, only to get it horribly wrong. His attempted clearance falls straight to Fuglestad, whose effort is blocked, but the danger isn't over. Christiansen reacts quickest to tee up Botheim, and the Viking striker makes no mistake, firing home his second goal of the night.
We're into four minutes of added time at the end of this one.
CHANCE! Christiansen has the opportunity to add a fourth for Viking, but he can't take it. The substitute meets the chance on his left foot, only to send his effort straight down the throat of Pokatilov, who will be relieved not to have to pick the ball out of his net for a fourth time this evening.
Shot Map
Team Stats
2.68
Expected Goals
1.49
50%
Possession
50%
8 (38%)
Shots on Goal
4 (25%)
1
Big Chances Created
1
10
Corners Won
6
372 (81%)
Accurate Passes
370 (80%)
40
Duels Won
35
3
Saves
4
5
Fouls Committed
9





