Viking Stun Bayern Munich in Thrilling Champions League Draw
Norwegian champions Viking produced a remarkable performance to hold six-time European champions Bayern Munich to a thrilling draw in the Champions League, marking one of the biggest results in the club's history. Viking, who were playing in Norway's second tier as recently as 2018, scored twice in the first half before Bayern fought back through England captain Harry Kane.
Luis Diaz later put the German giants ahead, but Michael Olise's sending-off gave the hosts renewed hope. Viking made an electric start, taking the lead just 71 seconds into the match when Gianni Stensness rose highest to head home from a corner.
The Norwegian side doubled their advantage in the 38th minute when Peter Christiansen finished brilliantly on the counter-attack, beating goalkeeper Jonas Urbig to leave Bayern facing an unexpected challenge. However, Kane pulled Bayern back into the contest with a penalty before adding a second with a header at the back post to restore parity.
Diaz then gave Bayern the lead with a close-range finish, seemingly putting the visitors in control. But the match took another dramatic turn when Olise received two yellow cards in the same phase of play, including one for throwing the ball into a Viking player's face.
With Bayern reduced to 10 men, Viking seized the opportunity and became the more threatening side. Their persistence paid off when substitute Herman Haugen headed home at the back post to secure a deserved equaliser.
The result was particularly significant for Viking, who were competing in Europe's premier club competition for the first time since the 1992-93 season. The club, jointly coached by Morten Jensen and Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim, are also enjoying an impressive domestic campaign, sitting level on points with Bodo/Glimt at the top of the Norwegian league with eight matches remaining.
Despite Bayern dropping points, Kane continued his impressive Champions League scoring run. His brace took his tally to 36 goals in 40 Champions League appearances since turning 30, moving him ahead of Lionel Messi's previous record of 35 goals in his thirties.
The 33-year-old has now scored in nine consecutive Champions League matches, joining an elite group that includes Ruud van Nistelrooy, Robert Lewandowski and Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo holds the record with goals in 11 successive games.
Bayern will next host Arsenal on October 21, with Olise unavailable due to suspension following his red card. Viking, meanwhile, travel to face Aston Villa on the same night as they look to build on their memorable result against the German giants.