And yet again it was impossible to beat Vålerenga IF. As a result, RBK must wait for next Thursday before - hopefully - securing their further life in the Royal League.

OLD TEAM MATES: During the past half year, both Steffen I. and Bjørn Tore Kvarme have returned to Norwegian football. Photo: Royal League/Gorm Kallestad

On beforehand there was much talk about saving players. RBK planned to let Erik Hoftun rest, while VIF coach Kjetil Rekdal mentioned playing with a team of reserves, in what he regarded as a friendly match as they were already through to the second group stage.

It wasn't to be: A newly recovered Vidar Riseth got Hoftun as a companion for his first match in almost four months, as Ståle Stensaas just had become father - and cared for his daughter at the hospital. Hence, Bjørn Tore Kvarme played right back at Lerkendal yet again, eight and a half years after the last time. Vålerenga on their side used some reserves, but to a lesser degree than previously announced.

The team from Oslo started hard, and from the first minute they created problems for a Rosenborg team that struggles to find its roots.

"In football, it is important with a good start, and today we got lagging behind from the very beginning," a disappointed Per Joar Hansen stated after the match.

RBK just couldn't get their offensive play working.

"The movements were too poor, almost lacking throughout the first half. We are dependant upon players running through the opponent back lines, - that didn't happen today," Perry said.

The home team picked up some pace as the first half closed to an end, and just before half time, Frode Johnsen lobbed over an outcoming Arni Gautur Arason. Freddy dos Santos saved on the line - or did he? Many tought that the ball was in, but the Danish referee Peter Rasmussen and his helpers waved the game on. The TV pictures gave no certain answer either.

Instead, VIF could take the lead after the break: Bernt Hulsker was fouled by Riseth, and the guests was awarded a penalty. Right back dos Santos yet again made a good, safe score from the 11 meter mark.

The rest of the game was pretty even. Frustrated RBK players started getting physical, and there was much pushing and game halts. Near the end of the match, Vidar Riseth was pushed up as a forward, but he couldn't score either - in spite of two good chances.

So now RBK has to win against Djurgården IF, in Stockholm next Thursday, to be sure of advancing.

"We have ourselves to blame only," Per Joar Hansen stated.

Match Details

ROSENBORG	0-1	Vålerenga
		Freddy dos Santos 47

Thursday Feb 17th 2005 20:30
Royal League, 1. group stage, Lerkendal stadium
7230 spectators

Rosenborg [4-3-3]
Espen Johnsen - Bjørn Tore Kvarme (Alexander Tettey 62), Vidar Riseth, Erik Hoftun, Mikael Dorsin - Jan Gunnar Solli, Frode Johnsen, Roar Strand - Alexander Ødegaard (Øyvind Storflor 56), Thorstein Helstad (Fredrik Winsnes 78), Daniel Braaten

Yellow card RBK: Vidar Riseth