Eliteserien Round 3 Preview: Six Matches, Six Stories — April 6, 2026

1. Viking vs Vålerenga

Viking Stadion, Stavanger

The story so far: This is the game of the round. Viking are the defending champions — but they’ve started poorly. They lost their first game 2-1 away to HamKam, before bouncing back with a big 4-1 win over Molde. Vålerenga on the other hand have been brilliant — two wins from two, including a 2-0 win over Rosenborg in their last game. They come into this one with real confidence.

What to watch: Viking at home are a different beast. Viking Stadion is one of the toughest away trips in the Norwegian league. But Vålerenga haven’t lost yet and will believe they can cause a real upset here. The champions will be desperate to prove the early stumble was a blip.

Key stat: Vålerenga have scored in both of their games and conceded just once. Viking have scored 5 goals in 2 games — this one could have goals at both ends.

📌 In short: Two in-form teams, one great stadium, a grudge match atmosphere. Expect a competitive, physical game with goals likely at both ends.

2. HamKam vs Brann

Briskeby Gressbane, Hamar

The story so far: HamKam pulled off the shock of Round 1 — beating defending champions Viking 2-1 at home. That was a statement win from a team many expected to struggle this season. Brann have had a mixed start: they lost 3-2 to Kristiansund on opening day, then put in a good display in Round 2. Both teams have goals in them — their combined first-round scoreline was 7 goals across just two matches.

What to watch: Brann are one of the bigger clubs in Norway with serious ambitions this season. They sold a centre-back to Bologna for €7 million in the winter window, which shows the level they’re operating at. Replacing that quality is the key question for their defence. HamKam will try to make them pay on the counter-attack, just as they did against Viking.

Key stat: In their only completed round 1 match, HamKam won 2-1. Brann conceded 3 on opening day. Goals are likely in this one.

📌 In short: A lively affair between two goal-hungry teams. HamKam’s home form and confidence after beating Viking makes them a dangerous opponent for Brann.

3. Kristiansund vs Bodø/Glimt ⭐ Match of the Round

Kristiansund Stadion

The story so far: This is the big one. Bodø/Glimt are Norway’s most exciting football team — and right now one of the most exciting clubs in ALL of European football. They’ve been playing in the Champions League this season, beating Manchester City and Inter Milan at their home ground in the Arctic Circle. They beat Sporting CP 3-0 in the Champions League last-16 first leg in March, before being eliminated 5-3 on aggregate. Now they finally make their Eliteserien debut.

Bodø/Glimt — who are they? Think of them as Norway’s version of Atalanta. A small-town club (Bodø has a population of around 70,000) that play breathtaking attacking football. Their manager Kjetil Knutsen, who just signed a new contract until 2029, has built a team that presses high, plays fast combinations, and scores a lot of goals. Key players include Kasper Høgh (5 Champions League goals this season), Jens Petter Hauge, and Sondre Brunstad Fet.

Kristiansund’s angle: They actually started the season well — beating Brann 3-2 in a thriller on opening day. Their Eliteserien game against Lillestrøm in Round 2 was postponed, so they come into this match fully rested and with momentum. As the home team, they’ll set up defensively and try to hit Glimt on the break.

Key stat: Bodø/Glimt haven’t played a league game yet. Coming back from a Champions League campaign and switching into domestic mode is always tricky — even for the best teams. However, Glimt’s home record at Aspmyra is legendary. This is away from home for them, which adds an interesting question mark.

📌 In short: The most fascinating match of the round. Glimt’s quality is undeniable — but returning from Champions League football and playing their first league game of the season away from home against a side that’s already won once this year is not straightforward. Watch this space.

4. Lillestrøm vs Molde

Åråsen Stadion, Lillestrøm

The story so far: Two of the league’s early strong performers go head to head. Lillestrøm — promoted back to the top flight this season after five years away — made an immediate statement with a 3-1 away win at Aalesund on opening day. Molde, one of Norway’s most consistent clubs, beat Rosenborg 2-0 in Round 1 before losing 4-1 to Viking in Round 2.

What to watch: Lillestrøm playing at home at Åråsen will be a different proposition to their away performance at Aalesund. They’ll be organised and hard to break down. Molde have good quality in their squad — they spent €8.66 million in the winter window, including a new striker from Elfsborg for €3 million. Their attack is dangerous.

Key stat: Molde lost 4-1 to Viking last time out — a result that raised some questions. But they beat Rosenborg 2-0 in Round 1. Lillestrøm have scored 3 and conceded 1 in their only game.

📌 In short: A genuine 50-50 between two well-organised sides. Lillestrøm’s home advantage and early season confidence could give them the edge, but Molde have the experience to grind out a result.

5. Sarpsborg 08 vs Start

Sarpsborg Stadion

The story so far: Sarpsborg 08 haven’t played yet — their opening fixture against Bodø/Glimt was postponed and has been rescheduled for later in April. Start, promoted from the First Division this season, lost their opening game 2-0 to KFUM Oslo, then drew 1-1 with Aalesund in Round 2. They’re still searching for their first win back in the top flight.

What to watch: This is a tricky one to read. Sarpsborg come in with no league games played, which means no rhythm but also no fatigue. Start are a newly promoted side still finding their feet. Start’s history is significant — they’re one of Norway’s founding football clubs from Kristiansand, with a proud tradition. But returning to the top flight is always tough.

Key stat: Start have yet to win in the league this season. Sarpsborg play their first game of the season here — every player will be motivated to make an impression.

📌 In short: Sarpsborg’s home debut advantage against a Start side still finding their Eliteserien legs. A home win looks the most likely outcome, but Start have shown they can create chances.

6. Tromsø vs Rosenborg

Alfheim Stadion, Tromsø

The story so far: This is a fascinating clash of two clubs at very different points of the season. Tromsø have been the most impressive team in the opening rounds — they hammered Fredrikstad 4-0 on opening day. That scoreline is no accident: Tromsø are a well-organised, energetic team who are dangerous at home. Rosenborg, Norway’s most successful club ever (26 league titles), have made the worst start in the squad. Two games, two defeats, zero goals scored, four conceded.

Rosenborg’s crisis: Losing to Molde 2-0 in Round 1 was bad. Losing to Vålerenga 2-0 in Round 2 was worse. Rosenborg spent €25.2 million from player sales in the winter, including selling a central midfielder to Manchester City for €15 million and a winger to Lille for €6 million. They brought in replacements, but clearly those departures have left a gap. A trip to Tromsø — one of the hardest away grounds in Norway — is not what they need right now.

Alfheim Stadion: Worth mentioning — Tromsø’s ground is one of the most unique in European football. Located 350km north of the Arctic Circle, it regularly experiences extreme weather conditions. The artificial pitch, the cold, and the partisan crowd make it a genuinely intimidating place to visit, especially for a team low on confidence.

Key stat: Rosenborg have scored zero goals in two games. Tromsø have scored four in one. The form difference couldn’t be more stark.

📌 In short: Tromsø at home in electric form against a Rosenborg side in genuine crisis. This could get uncomfortable for Norway’s most storied club.