Molde Climb Out of Relegation Danger with a 4-1 Win Over Vålerenga
Molde moved eight points clear of the danger zone with a convincing victory over Vålerenga, a result that shifted the mood at Aker Stadion after a tense period. Going into the match, Molde sat just three points above the relegation playoff line, with HamKam and Bryne having picked up wins earlier in the day. The win, their first in a streak that has seen them unbeaten in six meetings with Vålerenga, lifted them to 30 points and eighth place, just one point behind Vålerenga in ninth.
Under interim boss Magne Hoseth, Molde delivered a performance that combined organization with a willingness to go forward, underscored by the sheer potency of their attack in the dying minutes of the game. The result also provided a strong signal that Molde’s resurgence might not be a one-off under the former Molde legend, who led from the touchline with a calm, pragmatic approach.
Early Moments and a Goal That Shook the Lead
The home side suffered an early scare when defender Birk Risa had to leave the pitch after only nine minutes, forced to be replaced by Casper Øyvann. Yet the setback did not derail Molde’s ambition. Just 12 minutes in, Eirik Hestad fired Molde in front with a left-footed strike from about 18 meters. The ball deflected off a Vålerenga player on its way to the net, helping it to find the corner and give Molde a lead they would defend for most of the rest of the half.
Vålerenga equalized in the 36th minute in spectacular fashion, Brice Ambina unleashing a volley from wide range that arced into the far corner, equalizing in style. The teams went into the break level, but Molde had the energy and a fighting spirit that would define the second half.
Late First-Half and the Abdullai Breakthrough
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Molde struck again through captain Magnus Wolff Eikrem. It was a moment built on teamwork and a little good fortune as a long move culminated with Eikrem scoring from close range, a finish made possible by Jalal Abdullai’s tireless work to win the ball and set up the opportunity.
Seven minutes into the second half, the striker Jalal Abdullai finished a precise sequence to make it 3-1. The move began with a long ball from Molde’s goalkeeper Jacob Karlstrøm, who launched the ball into space where Abdullai already had the run to beat the keeper, sealing the situation with composure at the near post.
The Final Seal: Stenevik’s Late Penalty
Halldor Stenevik put the finishing touch on a dominant second half by converting a late penalty, three minutes before full time, to set the final score at 4-1. The result sent a clear message to Molde’s league rivals that they are capable of turning tight situations into decisive wins, especially against a team they have historically matched up well against.
Standings, Reactions and the Road Ahead
The victory lifts Molde to 30 points, eighth in the Eliteserien, just one point behind Vålerenga in the fight for higher table position. The win extended Molde’s unbeaten record against Vålerenga to six matches, even as questions remained about consistency under Hoseth’s interim management. In a post-match interview, 18-year-old Oskar Spiten-Nysæter, named man-of-the-match by TV 2 viewers, described the win as “extremely satisfying.” He also weathered late controversy that did not lead to a caution after a VAR review, underscoring the high-stakes atmosphere around every touch in a tense late run of the season.
Looking ahead, Molde will hope this result becomes a turning point as they chase safety and a steadier footing in the table. The injury to Birk Risa was a setback from the start, but the performance of Abdullai, Hestad, and Eikrem showed that the squad has depth and resilience. Coach Hoseth will now aim to build on this victory, maintain momentum, and continue a run that could redefine Molde’s campaign in the closing rounds of the Eliteserien.
