Zlatko Tripic Inspires Viking Draw as Michael Olise Sees Red for Bayern
Viking captain Zlatko Tripic emerged as the central figure in a remarkable 3-3 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich at the Lyse Arena, creating two goals and helping to unnerve the visitors until Michael Olise was sent off late in the contest.
On the synthetic surface at Jåttåvågen, Tripic supplied Gianni Stensness for the opening goal after only 70 seconds before Viking extended their advantage through Peter Christiansen on a counter-attack. Bayern recovered through Harry Kane, who scored twice to become the first player to find the net in nine successive Champions League appearances, while Luis Diaz also struck as the German side overturned the early deficit.
Viking refused to let the game settle, however, and Tripic again made the decisive contribution in the final minutes. His delivery was converted by Herman Haugen in the 90th minute to secure a six-goal draw and one of the most significant evenings in the Norwegian club’s history.
Olise dismissal overshadows Bayern comeback
The match turned further in the 73rd minute when Olise collected two yellow cards in quick succession. The winger threw the ball into Tripic’s face and was dismissed, leaving Bayern to finish the match with 10 men. Tripic had repeatedly drawn the visitors into confrontations, while avoiding a booking himself.
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl accepted that his side had played into Viking’s hands. “Tripic played like a bastard,” Eberl said. “He wanted to win, and we allowed ourselves to be provoked. He achieved precisely what he intended.”
Konrad Laimer was particularly unhappy after an earlier clash with the Viking captain, believing Tripic had struck him on the head. The Bayern midfielder also criticised the referee’s handling of the match, saying he felt the incident warranted a card but that the official “blew for whatever he wanted”.
Kane described Tripic as an intelligent opponent who looked to draw fouls, stay down and run down the clock. The Viking captain, who required painkillers after a blow to the ribs aggravated an existing problem, made no attempt to hide his satisfaction afterwards. He said Olise “didn’t do much”, suggested Bayern had become frustrated, and admitted that he had been rebuked by many of their players. He added that he did not feel able to enter the Bayern dressing room to request a shirt.
Tripic also responded to Kane’s assessment of Viking’s approach, arguing that a more open contest would have exposed the substantial difference in quality between the teams. “Kane is very good at that himself and understands the cynicism needed,” he said. “We were not going to make it comfortable for Bayern, and I think we managed that balance well.”
Viking coach Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim praised his captain’s influence, describing him as fearless and vital to the team’s belief. Aarsheim said Tripic’s willingness to confront one of Europe’s strongest sides gave the rest of the squad energy, adding that a degree of cynicism is necessary when trying to compete at that level.
Bayern now return to domestic action this weekend needing to address the loss of composure that undermined their comeback. Olise’s suspension will also reduce their attacking options for next Wednesday’s league-phase meeting with Arsenal. Viking, meanwhile, will assess Tripic’s rib problem closely as they look to keep their captain available after a night he shaped from the first minute to the last.
