YMCA Oslo, Johannes Moesgaard | Have to stop the traffic before the match: – I think they think it’s a bit disgusting

EKEBERG (Nettavisen): On Sunday, the newly promoted Oslo team is finally at home in Ekeberg, where they are based. After massive construction work this winter and two home games “away” at Intility Arena, the YMCA welcomes the big club Brann on Sunday afternoon.

The home ground has been upgraded at record speed, but there are still things that make the arena stand out somewhat from the rest of Norway.

Before the match between YMCA Oslo and Brann, traffic must be stopped and the teams must walk across the walkway to enter the pitch.

PS: You can see everything from the OBOS league, as well as a number of matches from the Eliteserien at Nettavisen on Direktesport.

The teams must, among other things, change in the changing room facility across the road. As a result, traffic and buses must stop and wait when the players are going to and from warm-ups and matches.

– Fire has been here before, luckily for them. Back then it was even easier, says YMCA coach Johannes Moesgaard to Nettavisen.

– Now we have painted a bit in the basement and decorated the stadium a bit, he continues.

The YMCA coach does not think Horneland will use the somewhat easier conditions at Ekeberg as an excuse towards the settlement.

– Not as I know Horneland. That is what is difficult about Brann. They come in hundreds anyway, but I think they think it’s a bit gross here. We have some history with them, says Moesgaard.

Historic victory

Because the teams have met a number of times in recent years.

Back in 2022, YMCA had already knocked Brann out of the cup earlier in the spring, when the teams met at Ekeberg. Barely two years ago, the Oslo team led 1–0 and at times dominated the match before Brann equalised. Just over a quarter of an hour before full time, YMCA received a red card and during the last ten minutes of the match, Brann scored a total of four goals.

In many ways, it was the turning point of the season for Brann and the start of the great restoration of the club, which eventually ended with promotion and later cup gold and league silver in the Eliteserien.

Now the clubs meet for the first time at the top level and finally the small club is at home in Ekeberg where they are based.

– It will be tough, says Moesgaard, who also knows that his team has played on their confidence in the last week.

Last weekend, Moesgaard’s team took a historic victory with three points away to Sarpsborg 08.

– The people believe, by definition, that we are weaker than every opponent we take to the field against. Maybe not us then, smiles the coach.

After the loss against Strømsgodset, the coach was very clear in his communication about what is required to win games at the top level. Greater dueling power and taking responsibility in both boxes are points the 40-year-old focused on.

Couldn’t believe what he saw: – Absolutely wild

In the away match against Sarpsborg, the coach saw a hard-working and clinical YMCA team that punished the opponent’s mistakes mercilessly. In addition, they persevered with a high-quality counterattack just before the break.

The move from goalkeeper Emil Gundelach Ødegaard in particular made several people open their eyes.

– A very good counterattack, TV 2’s commentator Endre Olav Osnes referred to the score as.

Coach Moesgaard also had to rub his eyes after the pass that ended with Johannes Nunez and finally Petter Nosa Dahl who put the ball in the net.

– Absolutely wild, he says.

– I don’t know what’s going on there, but everything just slides. Absolutely huge. When we are focused on things these boys can succeed at anything. We have X-factor, speed and a bit of everything. It’s one of the wildest things I’ve seen and I found myself pressing the repeat button a few times after that goal. You don’t think it’s true. It is completely extreme, says Moesgaard.

PS: For the record: The journalist has previously played for YMCA Oslo.