Viking’s Champions League night against Bayern Munich ended in a remarkable 3-3 draw, with the Norwegian side recovering from Bayern’s comeback to claim a point after leading 2-0 earlier in the match.
The decisive late turn came after Bayern were reduced to 10 men in the 73rd minute. Michael Olise was booked for a clear foul, then immediately shown a second yellow card after striking the ball into Viking captain Zlatko Tripic’s face.
Viking used the extra man to force their way back into the contest and secure the final 3-3 scoreline, turning what had appeared an unlikely European result into a night of resilience for the Norwegian club.
Tripic says he unsettled Olise
Tripic, 33, said he had deliberately tried to disrupt the French winger during the game and felt he had won the personal battle that led to Olise’s dismissal.
“It is great that a player like him, who could probably win the Ballon d’Or one day, gets annoyed by a guy from Oftebro and Lyngdal,” Tripic said. “He should not have expected to be too comfortable here. When I managed to take his focus away from what he does exceptionally well, he finally lost his temper and threw the ball into my face. I feel I won that duel.”
Olise’s red card gave Viking a route back into a match Bayern had appeared to have wrestled away after the hosts’ early two-goal advantage. The final whistle left the Norwegian side with a draw that will reshape the mood around their European campaign, while Bayern were left to reflect on a costly loss of control.
Online abuse follows captain’s comments
Tripic’s remarks prompted a hostile reaction on social media, where his Instagram account was flooded with abusive messages. Several posts branded him unsporting, accused him of using dirty tactics and attacked him personally.
The captain’s view, however, was clear: in a Champions League contest against one of Europe’s most powerful clubs, Viking had refused to be intimidated, and Olise’s dismissal became the opening that allowed them to complete an extraordinary recovery.
