Viking stun Bayern Munich with thrilling 3-3 draw in Champions League

Norwegian champions Viking produced a remarkable performance to hold six-time European champions Bayern Munich to a thrilling draw in the UEFA Champions League after recovering from a two-goal deficit.

Viking, who were competing in Norway’s second division as recently as 2018, took an early lead and scored twice in the first half before Bayern captain Harry Kane struck twice to bring the German giants level.

Bayern initially appeared in control after Luis Diaz opened the scoring with a close-range finish. However, their task became more difficult when Michael Olise was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in the same phase of play, including one for throwing the ball into a Viking player’s face.

The dismissal gave the Norwegian side renewed belief, and they capitalised on their numerical advantage to mount an impressive response.

Viking made a flying start, taking the lead after just 71 seconds when Gianni Stensness rose highest to head home a corner.

Peter Christiansen extended their advantage in the 38th minute, finishing superbly on the counter-attack past Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig.

Bayern responded through Kane, who scored a penalty before adding a second with a header at the back post to restore parity.

Despite Kane’s brace, Viking continued to threaten after Olise’s dismissal and eventually secured a deserved equaliser through substitute Herman Haugen, who headed home at the back post.

The result represented a significant achievement for Viking, who were appearing in Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since the 1992/93 season.

The Norwegian club are managed by the coaching partnership of Morten Jensen and Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim. They are also level at the top of the Norwegian top flight with Bodo/Glimt, with eight matches remaining in their domestic campaign.

Kane’s two goals further strengthened his impressive Champions League record. According to the report, the England captain has scored 36 goals in 40 appearances in the competition since turning 30, moving ahead of Lionel Messi’s 35 goals scored after reaching that age.

The 33-year-old has also scored in nine consecutive Champions League matches, a feat previously achieved by Ruud van Nistelrooy, Robert Lewandowski and Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds the record with goals in 11 successive games.

Bayern will host Arsenal on October 21 and will be without Olise following his dismissal. Viking, meanwhile, are scheduled to travel to England to face Aston Villa on the same date.

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