Forgotten Australian player Gianni Stensness put his name up in lights in the Champions League on Wednesday (AEDT), slotting the opening goal against German giants Bayern Munich.
Stensness, 27, who represented the Socceroos twice during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers for his only two caps, needed two minutes to put Viking FK on the scoreboard, nailing a header from close range.
Stensness scored the opening goal against Bayern Munich. Getty Images
Stensess ran straight to the corner to celebrate his efforts with teammates, marking a memorable moment in his career and also the club’s history.
Viking had never featured in a Champions League draw until the 2026-27 season, making their tournament debut against Vfb Stuttgart, which ended in a 3-1 loss.
To add to the celebrations of scoring the opening goal, the Norwegian top-flight team managed to gain a 2-0 lead over Bayern Munich heading into half-time.
A Harry Kane penalty in the 54th minute turned momentum back in favour of the Bundesliga champions, with the English star later nailing a goal in open play.
With scores levelled up, Bayern Munich found a chance for Luis Diaz to hit the back of the net. The club then lost Michael Olise to a red card for lashing out.
Viking’s Herman Haugen smashed a goal in the final minute of regular time to equalise, securing a 3-3 draw.
Stensness was not the only Australian star who put on a show during the Champions League matchday, with Nestory Irankunda making a statement of his own.
Irankunda has become a regular starter for Portuguese powerhouse Sporting despite intense competition for wing spots and he repaid the manager with a classy assist against French club RC Lens, setting up teammate Luis Suárez to draw first blood.
The Australian star received the ball on the left, coming in towards the box before crossing it to the open Suarez, who made no mistake with the tap in.
It marked the second consecutive Champions League game in which Irankunda had provided an assist, with Sporting putting Lens to the sword 2-0.
Sporting head coach Rui Borges gave Irankunda credit post-game.
Nestory Irankunda put in a starring performance against Lens. Daniel Weir/Sports Press
“He’s played well and today he played a great game,” he said.
“He comes from the English second division and wasn’t used to playing in the Champions League. I gave him a hug because he was laughing.
“He’s a clown – in a good way. He’s always laughing and happy.
“He made the best decision in coming to Sporting, and we are very happy with a young player who has a lot of potential. I have no doubt that he will have an increasing impact on the team’s decisions.”
The second match day of the Champions League first phase will continue on Thursday (AEDT), with Manchester City and Paris Saint German set to face off.