DFC | Rosenborg record easy win to go back on top of Norwegian League

Serbian Jevtovic hits a brace while Helland sets up all three goals

Norwegian champions Rosenborg got their preparations for the upcoming Champions League Second Qualifying Round tie with Dundalk off to a flyer by recording a comfortable 3–0 victory at home to Sogndal on Sunday evening.

Kare Ingebrigtsen’s side knew that win would move them back to the top of the Norwegian Eliteserien and they easily brushed aside the challenge of a struggling Sogndal team managed by former Leeds United and Aston Villa midfielder, Eirik Bakke.

Played in front of 17,545 supporters — and Dundalk opposition analyst Ruaidhri Higgins — at the Lerkandal Stadium, a scoreless first half was followed by a crazy six-minute spell which saw Rosenborg hit three quickfire goals.

The opener came just past the hour mark when right-sided attacker Pal Andre Helland’s cross fell kindly for Icelandic Matthías Vilhjálmsson who was able to pick his spot.

Vilhjálmsson is a former Icelandic title winner with FH Hafnarfjordur, who Dundalk knocked out last season. This was the 30-year old’s fourth goal of the campaign.

Helland provided the assist for the second goal in the 65th minute, whipping in a cross from the right that was powered home by the head of Milan Jevtovic, a 24-year-old Serbian striker who is on loan at Rosenborg from Turkish side Antalyaspor.

Jevtovic took his tally to six goals in 10 starts with Rosenborg’s third strike in the 67th minute, deflecting a Helland corner into the net after some questionable defensive play by Sogndal.

With the three points secured, Rosenborg used the opportunity to introduce winger Yann-Erik de Lanlay for the last four minutes, the Norwegian international making his first appearance since picking up a serious injury last August.

Rosenborg have two more matches before the first-leg with Dundalk at Oriel Park on July 12th, away to Kristiansund on Monday, July 3rd and at home to Sandefjord on Saturday, July 8th.