Viking FK turned an early setback into a convincing UEFA Champions League victory on Wednesday, beating Sabah FK 4–1 at Viking Stadion with three unanswered second-half goals.
Erik Botheim’s double, in the 27th minute and fourth minute of stoppage time, bookended Viking’s comeback after Orphé M’Bina had put the visitors ahead in the 11th minute. Zlatko Tripic struck in the 69th minute before Henrik Falchener headed home in the 81st, with Sabah reduced to 10 players following Aden McCarthy’s dismissal in the 77th.
Sabah strike first, Botheim responds
Sabah made the brighter start on the scoreboard, M’Bina giving the visitors an 11th-minute lead and presenting Viking with an early test in Stavanger.
The hosts answered through Botheim in the 27th minute, restoring parity and ensuring the sides went into the interval level at 1–1. With neither side able to establish a first-half advantage, the fixture remained finely balanced heading into the second period.
Tripic breakthrough turns the contest
The decisive breakthrough arrived in the 69th minute, when Tripic put Viking ahead for the first time. Having trailed early, the Norwegian side now had a lead to protect with just over 20 minutes of regulation time remaining.
Sabah’s task became significantly harder eight minutes later when McCarthy was shown a red card. Already chasing an equaliser, the visitors were left to negotiate the closing stages a player short.
Viking capitalised quickly. Falchener’s 81st-minute header stretched the advantage to 3–1, giving the hosts breathing room before Botheim added his second goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time to complete the 4–1 victory.
Viking make their attacking edge count
Possession was almost evenly divided, with Viking holding 50.6%, but the hosts produced the stronger attacking returns. They registered 21 shots to Sabah’s 16, led 8–4 in efforts on target and won 10 corners to the visitors’ six.
The final margin reflected Viking’s decisive closing spell rather than a one-sided contest throughout. Sabah had taken the lead and reached half-time level, but Tripic’s breakthrough, McCarthy’s dismissal and two late goals transformed the evening. For Viking, it was a three-point return built on recovery and an emphatic finish.
