Stjarnan vs Vikingur Gota

Vikingur Gota struck first. In the 12th minute, Aron Benjaminsen converted from close range after being set up by Ari Ellingsgaard, giving the Faroese side a lead they would hold for half an hour.

Stjarnan's response came through the penalty spot. On 42 minutes, Atlason stepped up to fire home the equaliser, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 1-1 at half-time.

The second half belonged entirely to the hosts. Atlason struck again in the 66th minute, this time from open play, finishing off a pass from Birnir Warén to put Stjarnan ahead for the first time. The game was sealed in the 78th minute when Atlason completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot, again converting with composure.

Atlason's second goal in the 66th minute shifted the balance decisively. Until that moment, Vikingur had been compact and organised, holding firm at 1-1 since the interval. The open-play goal, assisted by Warén, broke their resistance and forced them to push forward, which created the space for Stjarnan's third. From that point on, Vikingur's discipline unravelled — they picked up three yellow cards in the final 25 minutes.

Emil Atlason (Stjarnan) — Player of the match and the obvious match-winner. A hat-trick comprising two composed penalties and a decisive open-play strike. His movement in the box consistently troubled the Vikingur defence, and his coolness from 12 yards was the difference on a night when Stjarnan dominated territory but needed a finisher.

Birnir Warén (Stjarnan) — Provided the assist for Atlason's crucial second goal, the moment that turned the tie. His delivery from wide areas caused problems throughout the second half.

Aron Benjaminsen (Vikingur Gota) — Scored the opener and looked the most likely Vikingur threat in the first half, but was booked in the 67th minute and substituted in the 88th as the visitors faded.

The provider stats show Stjarnan's dominance in the box score: 17 total shots (7 on target) to Vikingur's 6 (3 on target), 63% possession to 37%, and 9 corners to 4. The raw numbers reflect a one-sided second half more than the tight first period — Stjarnan's 63% possession and shot volume were built on sustained pressure after the break rather than early control. Vikingur's early goal came from one of only three first-half shots, a reminder that the Faroese side were efficient before the interval but created almost nothing after it.

Stjarnan take a two-goal cushion into the second leg on 16 July 2026, to be played at Vikingur's home ground in the Faroe Islands. The winner of the tie advances to the second qualifying round. For Stjarnan, the result continues a strong start to their European campaign, while Vikingur face a difficult task at home needing to win by at least two clear goals to force extra time, or by three to win outright.

Atlason's hat-trick rescued a game that could have become frustrating for Stjarnan. The scoreline is a fair reflection of the second-half dominance, but the narrow first-half margin and the away goal for Vikingur mean the tie is not yet closed. The second leg in the Faroe Islands will test whether Stjarnan can replicate this performance away from home.