Vålerenga vying for élite status

Small group
Only Rosenborg BK and Molde FK have flown the flag for Norway at that level before, with the former qualifying for the competition proper on nine occasions. If Vålerenga join that list it will complete a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the four-time Tippeligaen winners.

Rebuilding exercise
When coach Kjetil Rekdal arrived in 2001, Vålerenga were a team in decline. They had been relegated at the end of the 2000 season and Rekdal had to undertake a complete revamp of the Oslo-based side. But they won promotion back to the Premier Division at the first time of asking, before attempting to reassert in the top tier.

Financial muscle
Despite being minutes away from another relegation in 2003, their fortunes took a turn for the better in 2004. Shipping billionaire John Fredriksen invested in the club, allowing Rekdal to take the unusual step in Norwegian football of going on a spending spree. Players of the calibre of striker Steffen Iversen, goalkeeper Árni Gautur Arason, midfielder Magne Hoset, centre-half Ronny Johnsen and forward Tore André Flo all joined, complementing the existing talent in the squad.

Close call
Vålerenga were considered serious title contenders last year, but were pipped at the post by Rosenborg courtesy of an 89th-minute Frode Johnsen goal in the last game of the season.

Rotation essential
But where Rosenborg have struggled this time around, Vålerenga have continued to impress, battling it out with IK Start on the domestic front while also attempting to make an impact in Europe. "I hope our squad has enough quality to sustain a challenge on all fronts," said Rekdal. "We will have to rotate players from game to game to ensure they stay fresh."

Tactical masterstroke
The 36-year-old coach, himself a former player who plied his trade in Belgium and Germany, now has a big squad at his disposal, allowing the astute tactician to experiment - with exceptional results. When Vålerenga visited SK Brann for a must-win fixture earlier in the campaign, Rekdal elected to try his luck with a three-man defence for the first time. Remarkably, his side ran out as deserved 2-1 winners.

Gashi setback
One player who has stood out is midfielder Christian Grindheim, a winter signing from FK Haugesund. The 22-year-old's fine displays have earned him a first Norway cap - and billing as one of his country's brightest prospects. Grindheim's emergence could not have been better timed going into Wednesday's Champions League decider in Belgium. Although Vålerenga lead 1-0 from the home leg, international midfielder Ardian Gashi may be in less-than-peak condition having this morning completed an 18-day prison term for a speeding offence.