Bayern Munich travelled to Norway a day earlier to familiarise themselves with the weather and the artificial turf at Viking's home ground. Unfortunately, an extra day wasn't enough for the German record champions, as Viking stunned them with two goals unanswered in the first half.
Three substitutions from Vincent Kompany worked wonders for Bayern. A brace from Harry Kane and a beautiful team goal capped off by Luis Diaz put Bayern back in front.
However, the ride to Viking land didn't end in smooth sailing. Michael Olise was sent off, and the home team capitalised on the advantage to get their first point of the season, scoring a heartbreaking equalizer in the 90th minute, ending things all square at 3-3.
Clutch is Harry Kane's middle name
Let's start with a positive note: Harry Kane came up big again for Bayern Munich. The English striker converted the first penalty in the 54th minute, before heading home another just six minutes later to equalise for Bayern. Kane has scored in nine consecutive Champions League games for Bayern Munich, a streak only outmatched by Cristiano Ronaldo (11).
The highlight of Kane's game today arguably wasn't the goals, but the inch-perfect pass to Konrad Laimer to set up Luis Diaz for the go-ahead.
Amid a collective breakdown today, he put in yet another Ballon d'Or-worthy performance.
Michael Olise's antics caused Bayern to lose the game (and possibly more)
It is impossible to defend Michael Olise today, not because of his performance. He did not register any goal contributions but continuously proved why he's the biggest creative threat on the pitch, demanding double teams whenever he had the ball.
The red card, however, was ill-advised and easily avoidable. It was some absolutely disgraceful antics from Olise, with his silliness ultimately costing Bayern three points. He was correct to foul and stop the counter, but throwing the ball straight to the opponent's face shows poor discipline and a rare lapse in focus.
Bayern eventually conceded after having to defend for 20 minutes with a man down.
Not only did he lose Bayern the game in Norway this week, but he will also miss the all-important Champions League clash against Arsenal next week. Bayern had to play against Arsenal without Luis Diaz last year due to a suspension, and will have to prepare for a no-Olise scenario this year.
Bayern Munich is vulnerable without Dayot Upamecano and Alphonso Davies
Vincent Kompany's decision to rest both Dayot Upamecano and Alphonso Davies has exposed a key weakness in Bayern's structure. When everyone pushes high up the opponent's box, it leaves a gaping hole behind the defensive line without anyone quick enough to get back and cover.
Viking punished that mistake with their second goal off a simple but brilliant counter-attack, where Nathaniel Brown did not have the pace to keep up. Upamecano and Davies provided exactly what Bayern need in such an aggressive formation, as they have the speed to recover from those long through balls and stop the attack.
And when it comes to the goalkeeping side of things, Jonas Urbig also needs to be a bit more aggressive with his sweeping duty in those situations like we see from Manuel Neuer.
A big shoutout to Viking FK
The scoreboard might show a draw, but there was clearly one winner tonight, and it was Viking. They fought with serious heart, grit, and determination to win. They didn't just welcome Bayern to their home, expecting a 7-0 defeat; they had a serious game plan for how to solve Bayern. The home side was stern in defence and electric on the counter. Maybe having two head coaches actually works.
And the atmosphere was absolutely amazing, giving Viking a massive home-field advantage, something Bayern may have underestimated coming in. The Viking fans were making the stadium bounce after the second goal, and they maintained that same energy throughout the 90 minutes.
Viking deserved every bit of that one point and more. They are the clear winners today.
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