ULLEVAAL STADION (Dagsavisen): After a set piece and a tactical maneuver that allowed the centre-back to stay in the field, the birthday boy scored what became the decisive goal against former teammates at Ullevaal.
– It was a lot of fun, that. It wasn’t the prettiest score, but at least it goes in, says the 24-year-old to Dagsavisen, who believes it will be difficult to top today’s birthday celebration.
– It happens on something that we have actually used quite a few times this autumn. Sara has been left in attack after a set piece. We haven’t scored on it yet, but then we will do it in the cup final and decide it with that, smiles Vålerenga coach Nils Lexerød about the score that came in the 62nd minute of play.
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The match-winner came to VIF this summer after having been in Rosenborg since 2022. They won cup gold there last year. 364 days later, she stands in Vålerenga with both series gold and the King’s Cup.
– It is a bit special to be on the other side than I did last year, but it still feels good to win. Although I also had another gold at Rosenborg, says Hørte.
– Did you actually have it?
– Not at my expense, perhaps. But in general I wish them all the best, replies Hørte with a grin.
Because even though Hørte himself has good friends in RBK, a great rivalry has built up between VIF and Rosenborg in recent years. Especially after last year’s cup final, where Rosenborg won 1–0 after several controversial VAR situations.
There is little doubt that VIF have wanted revenge, and when the opportunity presented itself a year later, Lexerød’s team really took care of it.
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– For the players, this means a lot. I have noticed that this year. I think avenging the final loss from last year may have been more important for the player group than it has been for me. The players have put a lot into winning the cup, so I wish them that, says the Vålerenga coach.
With both cup and league gold in the box in 2024, VIF has secured “the double”. In addition, they took points against Bayern Munich in the Champions League group stage earlier this week.
– I would almost say that we take “the treble” in that we qualify for the Champions League and take points in the group stage in addition – given the group we have. We have delivered a very, very good season. There is no doubt about that, says Lexerød.
– I hope the players understand what they are involved in this season, because I don’t think there are many times you get to be involved in a season like this during a career, he continues.
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