In Stavanger, Bayern Munich’s Champions League evening against Viking turned from a comeback into an argument that followed both teams beyond the final whistle. Michael Olise’s first dismissal as a professional left the German side short-handed during a 3-3 draw, while Viking captain Zlatko Tripic later admitted that provoking the France international had been part of his approach.
A comeback interrupted
- Viking hosted Bayern on Tuesday in the second round of the Champions League league phase and established a two-goal advantage.
- Bayern recovered from 2-0 down and moved ahead at 3-2, putting Vincent Kompany’s visitors in control of a demanding night in Norway.
- In the 74th minute, Olise received a second yellow card after throwing the ball into Tripic’s head. It was the first red card of his career.
- Reduced to 10 men, Bayern could not protect their lead and Viking found a late equaliser for 3-3.
Tripic acknowledges his role
Tripic, 33, was born in Croatia but represents Norway internationally and wore Viking’s captain’s armband. He said he had spent the match trying to unsettle Olise and felt that he had succeeded.
The incident also drew criticism for Olise inside the Bayern camp. Kompany reprimanded the winger after the sending-off, as did Harry Kane, with the team having been left to defend its lead with a man fewer.
After the game, several Viking players went to Bayern’s dressing room seeking shirts. Tripic did not join them, saying almost everyone at Bayern had scolded him and that he did not dare enter the visitors’ room. He subsequently received abuse on social media.
Bayern anger
Max Eberl, Bayern’s sporting chief executive, was unhappy with Tripic’s conduct but also accepted that Bayern had played into the Viking captain’s hands.
“He behaved like a rogue on the pitch,” Eberl said. “He wanted to win the match, and we allowed ourselves to lose our composure. He got what he wanted: they did not win, but they came away with a draw.”
