MOLDE, Norway (Interstat) — Molde delivered a stunning and decisive victory on Saturday, overwhelming rival Brann 4-0 in an Eliteserien match at Aker Stadion that defied all pregame projections.

The contest, played before a home crowd, saw Molde explode for four second-half goals to secure a dominant win in the opening match of the Norwegian top-flight season. The final result was a stark contrast to expectations, as statistical models heavily favored the visitors.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a narrow 2-1 win for Molde, while its ELO system gave Brann a 70.6 percent probability of leaving with a victory. Those forecasts were rendered irrelevant by Molde’s relentless offensive display after halftime.

The match was a physical, stop-start affair through the first half, with three yellow cards issued before the break. Molde’s Birk Risa was booked in the 26th minute, followed by Brann’s Neraysho Kasanwirjo in the 45th minute.

The deadlock was broken in the 54th minute by midfielder Emil Breivik, who put the home side ahead. The goal opened the floodgates for Molde’s attack.

Just 11 minutes later, midfielder Oskar Spiten-Nysæter doubled Molde’s lead with a goal in the 65th minute. Spiten-Nysæter, who received a yellow card in the 61st minute, was instrumental in the build-up, also contributing an assist on the afternoon.

The third goal arrived in the 75th minute, courtesy of a key substitute, Mathias Dyngeland, who found the net to put the game out of reach.

Molde capped the commanding performance deep into second-half stoppage time, with midfielder Sondre Granaas scoring in the third minute of added time to seal the 4-0 result.

The Molde defense, supported by a disciplined midfield, limited Brann to few chances, securing a clean sheet. The backline was also active in initiating the offense, with defenders Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Birk Risa each recording an assist for Molde. Midfielder Jacob Christensen, who was shown a yellow card in the 60th minute, also tallied an assist.

With the victory, Molde begins its Eliteserien campaign with a record of one win and zero losses. Brann starts its season with a record of zero wins and one loss. The records also stand as both clubs’ overall marks across all competitions for the season.