celta sail past hapless viking published: thursday 14 november 2002, 22.00cet viking fk 1-1 rc celta de vigo (agg: 1-4) celta's first-leg lead proves too much for goal-shy viking.
rc celta de vigo, defending a 3-0 first-leg lead, calmly claimed their place in the third round of the uefa cup, thanks to a 1-1 draw with viking fk in stormy conditions at the stavanger stadium.
mountain to climb the hosts were left with a mountain to climb after their first-leg defeat in vigo a fortnight ago, but benny johansson's side did not come out with the expected attacking intent. they struggled to break down a stubborn spanish rearguard, and looked short of ideas. celta looked completely in control.
torrential rain the torrential rain in stavanger made the conditions almost unplayable, yet the more technically refined spaniards seemed to adapt better. viking did not create any clear-cut chances against the visitors, who seemed content to sit back and let their opponents make the play.
nevland miss the hosts did, however, manage to create the first chance of the match when erik nevland rose high to meet a pinpoint cross from morten berre but his header was well wide of the target. this miss set the tone for the game, and it was unsurprising to find the first half ending goalless.
attacking intentions viking began the second period where they had left off, albeit promising more end product from their possession. but it was goalkeeper frode olsen who had to make the first save of the second half when he dived at full stretch to tip eduardo germán coudet's terrific header to safety.
determined viking viking showed plenty of determination in midfield but for all their hard work they had nothing to show against a well-organised celta rearguard superbly marshalled by jose ignacio.
mostovoi on target whatever hopes viking might have had of an unlikely upset, were finally dashed when giovanella cleverly flicked on a cross for the onrushing aleksandr mostovoi, who had no trouble finding the net.
late equaliser viking did manage to salvage some pride however, as hannes sigurdsson restored parity on the night with only seconds remaining, coolly slotting in from the edge of the box. it was too little, too late for the hosts.
