The first time only ever happens once. It is both a time to celebrate the hard work that got you here and an opportunity to build a platform for the future. For the Norwegian champions, Vålerenga, their first ever Champions League group stage match, against Juventus, is one of those moments.
When their manager, Nils Lexerød, watches his side walk out in front of the home support at the Intility Arena in Oslo on Wednesday evening, history will be made and a long-term objective of the club finally realised. “The Champions League group stage has been the club’s primary ambition and our main goal since we started working together in January 2022,” he says. “This objective has driven us from day one. Everything we’ve done has been with the aim of reaching this milestone. To be here now is a major achievement for everyone involved – players, staff and supporters alike. It marks a proud moment in the club’s history.”
