A few days have passed since Lyn and Vålerenga, two rival football clubs of Oslo, played in a match counting for the OBOS Ligaen or 1st Division (Norwegian 2nd tier). The excitement for the Derby led a total of 25000 fans from both teams to Ullevaal Stadium.

These teams hadn’t been in the same tier since 2009. Lyn won the promotion to OBOS Ligaen last season after the playoff, while Vålerenga was relegated from Eliteserien (Norwegian top tier) after 22 seasons.

The match itself had passion but lacked quality. For what each team did on the pitch, the draw is an acceptable result.

Lyn, playing at home, prepared the team to be more cautious and avoid risks. They started playing with a more direct playstyle resourcing to long balls to put the ball in the front.  

Vålerenga chose to play the ball around and occasionally use through passes to break the opposition lines.

After the balanced first 15 minutes, Vålerenga started to dominate the match. Attacking more through the left wing, they were able to control the ball possession and create opportunities to score. They got in the lead (1-0) at 33’. They had the upper hand until Mees Rijks was sent off (37’).

With 10 players on the pitch and with a narrow advantage, Vålerenga adopted a defensive mentality and the attacking moments ceased to exist. Lyn grew and gained confidence. They took the initiative and drawn (1-1) near half time.

In the second half, Lyn controlled the possession and tried to score but without success, whilst Vålerenga defended deep until the end.

From what the teams showed us, what can we expect this season

Lyn

·        The team plays in a 1-4-3-3 formation with a balanced/cautious mentality, and they are well aware of their limitations.

·        The more direct football suits the characteristics of the team.

·        The team has a decent tactical organization.

·        Most of Lyn’s reinforcements came from the 2nd Division (3rd tier), thus many of the players lack OBOS Ligaen experience.

·        They are stronger in the centre where Sell (CB), Bydal (DMC/MC), Kristiansen (MC) and Hellum (ST) can bring some quality.

·        They are a committed team with a decent work rate which makes them difficult to play against.

·        They lack some technical quality and communication on the field.

·        The levels of concentration aren’t high, and they are prone to make errors.

·        The team may struggle against teams that are strong in duels.

·        It is likely that Lyn will struggle against tactically organised teams.

·        Negative results will be a test to their mental strength.

 

Vålerenga

·        The team plays in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation with attacking mentality and privileging ball possession.

·        One of the teams with better technical quality in the OBOS Ligaen.

·        Team and some players with experience at a higher level

·        Top of the league quality in passing, crossing and creativity

·        Strong and creative midfield where Bjørdal (MC), Håkans (RW), Hagen (DMC/MC) and Riisnæs (AMC/MC) are top quality in this tier.

·        The team lacks efficiency despite producing a lot in attack (leading in shots, accurate passes, accurate crosses, and ball possession).

·        Squad doesn’t have depth and seems unbalanced. Outside the starting 11 there are very few alternatives with similar quality.

·        Team’s mental strength is being tested and may be crucial for the success/failure in the end of the season.

·        Vålerenga may struggle against teams good in quick transitions and counterattacks.

   

*(MC- Midfield Centre; RW- Right Winger; DMC/MC- Defensive Midfielder Centre; AMC/MC- Attacking Midfielder Centre)

 

For Lyn, already eliminated from NM Cup and with only the 1st Division to focus on, every point will count to avoid relegation. The cohesion of the team will be a key factor during the season. They play with Ranheim at home for the OBOS Ligaen on Sunday.

For Vålerenga, as the main favourite to win the 2nd Tier, every point will be crucial. A strong reaction is needed after the bad start in the 1st Division. Vålerenga will receive Bryne on Sunday for the OBOS Ligaen.