Heia Enga: Vålerenga 3 Viking 0

My first experience of a Vålerenga football match in Oslo, Norway. Find out what the experience was like as the Oslo club took on Viking from Stavanger.

This weekend I hosted my parents for the first time since I moved to Oslo. On the Friday night I took them to the Ullevaal for their (and my) first Vålerenga match, versus Viking.

I’d been to the Ullevaal Stadion once before for Norway v Iceland. I'd also watched several Vålerenga games on the TV, but hadn't yet seen a match in person.

As this was the penultimate home game of the season, I suggested we go along. My dad and rather surprisingly my mother both agreed!

Oslo's Ullevaal Stadion

We chose seats in the upper tier of the Sparebank stand. They were more expensive, but offered a great view and also unrestricted seating, so we could move around at will.

I thought that best in case some sweary Norwegian sat next to my mum! In the end a sweary person did sit next to my mum. It was my dad…

My dad seemed to agree with my initial thoughts on the standard of Norwegian football, that the standard is low but the matches are entertaining.

The biggest impression left on him was not the match but the fans, especially Klanen (the Vålerenga supporters club) who kept up the support all through the match.

Although it might not look it from the photos, there were over 11,000 people there. He also thought Klanen anthem Vålerenga Kjerke (below) was a nice alternative to the typical football anthem. I concur!

The match itself ended with a comfortable 3-0 win for Vålerenga, their 7th win in 8 and one which leaves them well-placed to grab a top three finish. Viking looked dangerous from kick-off but once ‘enga took the lead early on, there was only one likely winner.

How things change

Since writing this post, Vålerenga have moved into the Intility Arena back on the east side of the city. If you're curious about visiting Oslo for a match, you could stay overnight right by the stadium at the Scandic Hotel Helsfyr.