In northern Norway, Lillestrom have given themselves a timely lift before welcoming Real Sociedad in the Europa League league phase. The newly promoted side will meet the Basque visitors after a composed away win that underlined the resilience behind their remarkable season.
The news from the club
Lillestrom beat Sandefjord 2-0 away from home in the 24th round of the Eliteserien, settling the contest inside the opening 24 minutes.
Olsen put the visitors ahead in the 13th minute, heading in Frederik Elkaer’s delivery after a costly mistake from the Sandefjord goalkeeper. Kitolano doubled the advantage 11 minutes later, finishing from an accurately weighted Ottesen pass.
With the two-goal margin established early, Lillestrom managed the remainder of the match through defensive discipline and clinical game management, leaving with three valuable points.
The result keeps the club fifth in Norway’s 16-team top division. Six rounds remain in a 30-match league season, which is played within the calendar year because of the country’s severe winter conditions.
For a side only recently promoted, fifth place represents an impressive domestic campaign. Their European place was earned through last season’s Norwegian Cup triumph, achieved while they were still a second-tier club. Lillestrom beat Sarpsborg in that final to secure the trophy and their route into continental football.
Now, with the Norwegian league approaching its closing weeks, the Scandinavian side turn their attention to Real Sociedad and a Europa League night at their own stadium.
