Brann vs Kristiansund BK

Horneland, who returned as Brann head coach on a contract through 2030, watched his side dominate the opening exchanges. Markus Haaland headed towards goal in the 20th minute, forcing KBK goalkeeper Adrian Sæther into a full-stretch save. Minutes later, KBK counters — Adrian Kurd Rønning raced through one-on-one with Simen Vidtun Nilsen, but the Brann keeper saved with his leg.

The breakthrough came from the spot. With 37 minutes played, a penalty was awarded to Kristiansund, and Leander Alvheim sent Vidtun Nilsen the wrong way — the goalkeeper guessed correctly but Alvheim's finish was precise into the top corner. 0-1 at half-time.

Brann pressed from the restart of the second half. Midway through the period, Joachim Soltvedt was brought down in the box and won a penalty of his own. The midfielder stepped up and drilled it straight down the middle to make it 1-1 (67').

Just as Brann looked to push for a winner, KBK struck on the counter. Frederik Flex delivered a cross from the left and substitute Hrannar Magnusson, unmarked at the back post, slotted home to make it 1-2 with ten minutes remaining (80'). Noah Holm had a late header for Brann but could not direct it on target.

Horneland made a triple change around the 70th minute — Jonas Torsvik, Sævar Atli Magnusson and later Rabbi Matondo entered the fray. The introduction of Magnusson, playing his first Brann minutes since 5 October 2025 after 271 days out with a serious knee injury, was a feel-good moment. But the reshuffle momentarily disrupted Brann's defensive shape. KBK exploited the gap on the left flank, with Flex finding Magnusson at the far post for the decisive goal.

Leander Alvheim (Kristiansund BK): Scored the opening penalty with composure and led the line well as a lone striker in KBK's shape. His movement kept Brann's centre-backs occupied throughout.

Joachim Soltvedt (Brann): The only Brann player to find the net. Won the penalty himself and converted it under pressure. Also played the full 90 at left-back in a 4-3-3 setup.

Hrannar Magnusson (Kristiansund BK): The match-winner. Introduced from the bench, he found perfect position at the far post to convert Flex's cross — a striker's finish that decided the game.

Sævar Atli Magnusson (Brann): A significant milestone. The Icelandic forward, who scored 10 goals in 16 appearances for Brann before his injury, played his first 20 minutes since October. He told Brann's official site: "Det var deilig" ("It was lovely").

Player of the match: Hrannar Magnusson (Kristiansund BK) — swung the game with one decisive touch.

Brann had the better of the early chances and sustained pressure, particularly in the first 20 minutes and after the restart. KBK's 1.0 xG from two penalties versus Brann's likely higher shot count reflects a game where the hosts created more volume but lacked a cutting edge in open play. Both sides converted their spot-kicks, but the difference was KBK's ability to generate a clear chance from open play on the counter — the one moment of the match that was not from 12 yards.

For Brann, this was Horneland's first test since returning to the club. Brann sit 11th in the Eliteserien (13 points from 12 matches) and host Start on 12 July at Brann Stadion in their league return. The fitness minutes for returnees like Magnusson and the integration of new signings such as Rabbi Matondo (on loan from Rangers) are the real takeaway — the result itself is secondary in a friendly.

Kristiansund BK, who beat Aalesund 27 June in their previous friendly, have now won both summer friendlies. They travel to Rosenborg on 12 July for their Eliteserien restart. Head coach's side will take confidence from a disciplined defensive display and a clinical counter-attacking finish.

A typical pre-season friendly: bright spells, heavy rotation and a result that matters more for momentum than the table. KBK were sharper in both boxes — converting their penalty and scoring the only open-play goal — while Brann showed signs of Horneland's high-pressing identity but lacked the final pass to turn pressure into points. The real story was Sævar Atli Magnusson's return; if he regains fitness, Brann gain a significant weapon for the run-in.