Tromsø – Valerenga 31-05-2025

Midnight sun, nerves and the necessary points capture

You know something special is going on when an Eliteserien match is moved to make room for the Champions League final itself. But in the northern part of Norway, where the sun refuses to set in May, Tromsø and Vålerenga are preparing for a clash that could have major consequences – at both ends of the table. On Saturday, May 31st at 18:45, it will be a bang at Romssa Arena, and even if this match is not played under the midnight sun, it will be boiling anyway.

Two teams with completely different starting points, but with one common denominator: they desperately need points. Tromsø want to avoid ending up in no man's land, while Vålerenga are fighting tooth and nail to keep their heads above the relegation waters. And as if that weren't enough: Both have unstable defenses, attackers who suddenly come up with things, and supporters who want more than just an honest effort.

Tromsø IL – solid at Romssa Arena (Alfheim), but shabby otherwise

After a somewhat disappointing start to the season, Tromsø have started to find their rhythm again under coach Jørgen Vik. At home at Romssa Arena – formerly known as Alfheim – they are notoriously difficult to beat. Cold air, artificial turf and a home pitch that resembles more of a wind machine in a cold storage than a football stadium often give them that little extra.

Vegard Erlien has been good at the top with his four goals and one assist. It is still the midfield, with the experienced Ruben Jenssen, who controls much of what works for Tromsø. But the defense has slipped several times – and that is where the key lies. When they hold tight at the back, the points tend to stay in the north.

Vålerenga – classic yo-yo form and a defense with a fear of heights

Vålerenga were promoted from the OBOS league last year, and with that came the hope of putting the capital's pride back where it belongs – in the top tier of Norwegian football. But as with so many romantic stories, not everything went as planned.

They are currently in 10th place after a long-awaited away win against KFUM (0–1). Before that win, they had only two wins, two draws and five losses. The defense has been as leaky as a rusty bucket – easy to break down both at home and away. They have lost the lead three times in the last ten games, and the frustration among the supporters is palpable. You would think that there have been “only” 13 goals conceded in nine games, but when you see how unsafe and sometimes chaotic it has been in the past, it could easily be more if they don’t gain more confidence and control.

In attack, they have shown flashes of quality in some matches, especially through Ambina Fidèle Brice, who has pace and technique in buckets and buckets. He leads the team in assists with four so far. The problem? It happens far too rarely. The midfield has struggled to keep up the pace, and the defense has been a constant headache – for both the coaching staff and the goalkeeper.

Mutual settlement – ​​history tells of evenness

These two have met 52 times in the Eliteserien, and it is Vålerenga who has had a slight historical advantage with 24 wins to Tromsø's 16, while 12 matches have ended in a draw. The previous meeting in March 2025 ended 1–4 – admittedly in a training match in the run-up to the season – but it shows a bit of the leak Vålerenga has had so far in the Eliteserien. That really sums up a lot of this duel: often decided by coincidence or a few moments of genius.

At Romssa Arena, Tromsø has dominated the Oslo team in recent seasons. Climate, artificial turf and a long travel route probably play a role.

Conclusion – who wants the most?

The game can largely be decided in midfield. Tromsø likes to build calmly, with a lot of possession and smart turns of play. Jenssen and Erlien will be central to this, and they will try to find space between Vålerenga's lines.

Vålerenga, for their part, will most likely lie low and focus on counterattacks – especially if they start with Dane Muamer Brajanac up top, who has shown an ability to stretch the defense. Tromsø's full-backs could be vulnerable to quick transitions, and that gives VIF a potential avenue of attack.

Dead balls can also be decisive. Both teams have shown weaknesses defensively in such situations, and in an even match, that is often where the decision is made.

The match is about more than just three points. It is a battle between a Tromsø team that wants to consolidate its place in the middle tier – and perhaps push its way up – and a Vålerenga team that is fighting desperately to avoid becoming a relegation team again.

On paper it looks even. On the pitch, small details can make the difference. A set piece. A keeper's mistake. A stroke of genius. These are the kind of matches the Eliteserien lives off of. Maybe not star power or champagne football – but passion, will and real nerves.

Norway at 18:45: Tromsø – Vålerenga: Over 1.5 goals to Tromsø (1.98)

Alternative game:

Norway at 18:45: Tromsø – Vålerenga: 2–1 to Tromsø (9.40)