Molde's impressive four-game winning streak came to a crashing halt with a 2-1 derby defeat to Aalesund at Aker Stadion on Saturday evening. The loss, in a match packed with VAR drama, prompted a furious reaction from coach Sindre Tjelmeland, who slammed his team's performance.

The game started with an early setback for Molde as Mathias Christensen put Aalesund ahead after just seven minutes. Molde equalised before halftime through Isak Skotheim, who told TV 2 at the break that scoring was why he was here and that it felt great. The second half descended into chaos.

VAR overturns everything

First, Aalesund goalkeeper Luca Podlech was shown a red card for a challenge on Jalal Abdullai, but the referee overturned the decision after a VAR review. Minutes later, Molde were awarded a penalty for another incident involving Abdullai, but that decision was also rescinded after video consultation. The chaos peaked ten minutes from time when former Molde player Kristian Lonebu, sold for around 35 million kroner, came off the bench to score a spectacular volley for 2-1.

TV 2 commentator Peder Mørtvedt described the second half as terrible for Molde.

Tjelmeland, who made three substitutions during the match, was scathing in his assessment. He called the performance pathetic and expressed huge disappointment that his team created so little. Aalesund coach Kjetil Rekdal, in contrast, was proud of how his side held firm away to an in-form opponent.

The defeat means Molde remain fourth in the Eliteserien with 36 points from 21 games, though they maintain a solid goal difference of +12. The four-match winning run is over, and their recent form now reads LWWWW. To get back to winning ways, Tjelmeland will need solutions, and the options within the squad will be key.

After the final whistle, tensions flared as Aalesund's reserve goalkeeper Tor Erik Larsen celebrated in front of Molde supporters, leading to a confrontation with Molde player Mathias Fjørtoft Løvik. Larsen later said emotions took over and apologised for his actions. For Molde, the focus now is on moving past this defeat and preparing for the next challenge, with Emil Breivik having seen a late chance saved in added time.

More detail at TV 2