Zlatko Tripic makes amends as Viking overcomes Sarpsborg

Viking overcame the "Sarpsborg ghost" with a dramatic 2-1 victory, clinching vital points after a fluctuating start to their post-holiday season. The match in Stavanger was a hard-fought contest against a team that has historically proven difficult for Viking.

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The nut was also almost too hard on Saturday afternoon.

Sarpsborg 08 had been a persistent challenge, being the only team to deny Viking full points in their championship season last year and eliminating them from the cup. This season's earlier encounter also saw Sarpsborg emerge victorious. Saturday's game nearly followed suit, with Sarpsborg showing early promise.

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The stopper got a dream hit and sent the ball glued to the far corner after 40 minutes played.

Despite Sarpsborg hitting the woodwork early on, Viking took the lead just before halftime. Henrik Heggheim scored a spectacular goal from 20 meters out, finding the top corner. The home team pressed for more after the break, but a crucial save by Viking goalkeeper Arild Østbø denied Sarpsborg an equalizer.

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But it was Sarpsborg who got the best start to the game.

The game took a dramatic turn when Viking was awarded a penalty. Captain Zlatko Tripic stepped up but missed, hitting the crossbar. Sarpsborg then found the net through Sondre Sørli with ten minutes remaining, seemingly salvaging a point. However, in the final moments of added time, Viking was awarded a second penalty. This time, Tripic converted, securing the win for his team.

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The captain tried to place it in the middle of the goal with power, but it was too high and ended up right in the metal.