The decision came just before the break. Viking came up with a transition where Zlatko Tripic drifted forward with the ball, before finding Lars-Jørgen Salvesen. The striker tried to find Sander Svendsen with a pass into the field, but Sander Christiansen was unlucky there and knocked the ball into his own goal in the clearance attempt.
Viking was the better team for large parts of the match and could score several times, including at Salvesen and Tripic.
Sarpsborg also created chances, but could not find the back of the net. In overtime, Henrik Meister got through inside the field, but Viking goalkeeper Patrik Gunnarsson stormed out and was saved.
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Early Viking bang
Viking suffered a blow when Sondre Bjørshol had to be replaced with an injury after only a couple of minutes of play. The defender appeared to have a problem with his thigh and was clearly frustrated as he left the pitch.
After half an hour, Sarpsborg called for a penalty when Sondre Ørjasæter went down, but neither referee Kristoffer Hagenes nor VAR thought they deserved it.
Just before the break, Viking took the lead. In the second half, both teams created chances, but there were no more goals.
Viking was in the gold race for a long time last season, but a poor end to the season ultimately resulted in fourth place. Sarpsborg was number eight.
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Optimistic Johansen
Viking meets reigning champion Bodø/Glimt in the next round, while Sarpsborg takes on Odd.
During the winter, Viking sold both Markus Solbakken (Sparta Praha) and David Brekalo (Orlando City).
Sarpsborg, on the other hand, had to manage without Stefan Johansen and Rafik Zekhnini in Monday’s series opener. They both have minor injuries and are expected back on the pitch shortly.
– The knee is already starting to get much better. It is difficult to say whether I will be back already next week or in a couple of weeks, but there is certainly hope that I can play against Odd next Sunday. That is the goal, Johansen told Sarpsborg Arbeiderblad.
(©NTB)