Viking 3-1 Dinamo Zagreb: Tripic penalty and fast double settle play-off

Viking turn 62% Dinamo Zagreb possession into a 3-1 play-off win

Viking defeated Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 at SR-Bank Arena on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, completing a decisive UEFA Champions League play-off victory after the teams were level 1-1 at half-time. Dinamo Zagreb had more of the ball and attempted more shots, but Viking’s greater accuracy in front of goal shaped the result.

Dinamo Zagreb made the faster start when A. Hoxha opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a normal goal. Viking responded eight minutes later as Z. Tripic converted a penalty to restore parity. The Norwegian side went into the interval level, despite Dinamo controlling much of the possession during the match.

The key turning point came immediately after the restart. E. Austbo put Viking ahead in the 48th minute, with K. Askildsen providing the assist. Two minutes later, T. Moi extended the advantage after being set up by H. Falchener. The rapid double gave Viking control of the scoreline and left Dinamo Zagreb needing a response that did not arrive.

Viking’s finishing outweighed Dinamo’s possession

Dinamo Zagreb held 62% possession and completed 468 of 531 passes, compared with Viking’s 38% and 249 accurate passes from 323. Dinamo also registered 19 total shots to Viking’s 13, although only four were on target compared with Viking’s eight. Both teams had nine shots inside the box, while Dinamo’s larger total came largely from attempts outside it, where it recorded 10 shots to Viking’s four.

Viking’s efficiency was also reflected by the goal sequence and the five saves made by the Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper. Viking’s goalkeeper made three saves, while Dinamo had five corners to Viking’s three. The figures showed a contrast between Dinamo’s territorial and passing advantage and Viking’s sharper attacking execution.

Cards and changes as Viking protect the lead

H. Heggheim was booked for Viking in the 27th minute, while S. McKenna received Dinamo Zagreb’s first yellow card just after half-time. Viking later saw K. Askildsen, Z. Tripic and J. Bell cautioned, and M. Orsic was booked for Dinamo in the 72nd minute. Substitutions from both coaches helped manage the second half, including Viking changes involving Falchener, Heggheim, K. Haugen and Tripic.

Tripic was the standout performer, receiving an 8.7 rating after scoring the penalty and producing four key passes in 82 minutes. Moi, Askildsen and Austbo also contributed directly to the win, with Moi and Austbo scoring and Askildsen supplying an assist.

The result ends Viking’s listed run of draws with a win, while Dinamo Zagreb’s sequence of three wins between two draws is followed by a defeat. No standings data is available for either team, so the effect on their league positions cannot be specified.