Viking defeated Sarpsborg 08 2-1 at home, with the decision coming in the fifth minute of stoppage time after captain Zlatko Tripić missed the first penalty but scored the second.
While Dinamo rests from league duties this weekend due to the postponement of their match against Rijeka, their potential Champions League playoff opponent played another match in the Norwegian Eliteserien. The reigning Norwegian champions, Viking FK, hosted Sarpsborg 08 at their stadium in Stavanger and celebrated a dramatic 2-1 victory.
The hero of the home win was captain Zlatko Tripić, a 33-year-old footballer born in Rijeka. His family has roots in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and he moved to Norway as a baby, where he built his entire career and represented Norway's youth national teams.
Viking took the lead in the 40th minute with a fantastic goal from Henrik Heggheim, who volleyed home from about 20 meters to put the hosts ahead. In the 67th minute, they had a golden chance to extend their lead when they were awarded a penalty, but captain Tripić failed to convert - his effort hitting the crossbar.
The punishment for the miss came in the 81st minute when Sondre Sørli equalized to make it 1-1. It seemed the reigning champions, who won their first title last season after a 34-year wait, would have to settle for a draw.
However, the drama was far from over. In the 94th minute, the referee pointed to the spot again for Viking. Tripić once again took responsibility, and this time he made no mistake. In the 95th minute, he blasted the ball under the crossbar, sparking wild celebrations at the stadium in Stavanger.
With this win, Viking further solidified their position at the top of the Norwegian league and will face the third qualifying round of the Champions League in excellent form. As a reminder, Dinamo won the first leg against Kauno Žalgiris with a convincing 5-0 scoreline and are practically already in the playoff round, where they are set to face the Norwegian champions according to the UEFA draw.
Meanwhile, the Zagreb club continues to strengthen its squad. Noah Nsoki, a 19-year-old footballer, has transferred from Paris Saint-Germain to GNK Dinamo. The young player arrived in Zagreb to sign his contract accompanied by his entire family, and the club welcomed him on social media with the message: "Chère famille Nsoki, bienvenue à Zagreb!"
Coach Albert Capellas has invited fans to today's match against Benfica in the final of the Ramljak26 tournament, which will be played at the Maksimir stadium's Cico Kranjčar pitch at 5:30 PM. "There is no better invitation to today's match than this - the Blues are fighting for a place in the final against Benfica, and admission is free," said Capellas.
