Viking FK is set to make their mark in the Champions League, facing off against Aston Villa on Wednesday, following an impressive 3-3 draw with Bayern Munich. The match saw Viking leading 2-0 at halftime but needing a last-minute goal to secure a point, highlighting their resilience.

Zlatko Tripic, the Viking captain, expressed his pride after the match, stating, "I could have played another 90 minutes. I'm so incredibly proud. I've waited 34 years for this." This sentiment reflects the club's remarkable journey, culminating in a title win last year after a 34-year drought.

Viking FK's revival story is further enriched by their unique coaching setup, featuring joint head coaches Morten Jensen and Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim. Since stepping up in 2021, they have led the team to the top of the league once again this season. Aarsheim shared their passion for the club, saying, "For us, Viking is Barcelona. The players have to understand that we see Viking as more than a club."

This is Viking's first European group stage appearance since the 2005–06 UEFA Cup. Aarsheim described the experience as almost unreal, while Jensen referred to their Champions League schedule as "the whole buffet," with matches against teams like Atletico Madrid and Napoli on the horizon.

As they prepare for their clash at Villa Park, Jensen noted the significance of facing English clubs, emphasizing the Norwegian fascination with English football. The match represents not just a challenge, but a dream come true for Viking FK.