MOLDE, Norway (Interstat) — In a stunning and chaotic opening half-hour, Molde erupted for four goals to dismantle rival Rosenborg 4-2 in a Norwegian Eliteserien match Saturday at Aker Stadion, a result that defied the one-sided pregame projections by delivering an even more lopsided victory for the hosts.

The match was effectively decided in a breathtaking 11-minute span, with Molde scoring all four of its goals between the 11th and 24th minutes. The offensive explosion was led by midfielder Eirik Hestad and substitute Dino Islamović, who each scored twice in the frantic sequence.

The scoring barrage began with Hestad finding the net twice in quick succession at the 11-minute mark. Before Rosenborg could regroup, Islamović, who entered the match as a substitute, doubled the damage with a pair of goals of his own just three minutes later at the 14-minute mark. The onslaught continued as Emil Breivik added a fourth goal for Molde at the 24-minute mark, putting the game out of reach before the halftime whistle.

Rosenborg, which had shown strong form in other competitions this season with five wins in its last nine matches across all tournaments, had no answer for Molde’s relentless attack in the early going. The visitors managed to pull two goals back in the second half, with Oskar Spiten-Nysæter scoring at the 33-minute mark and Eirik Haugan adding another at the 77-minute mark. A final consolation goal from Alwande Roaldsøy in the third minute of second-half stoppage time concluded the scoring for the Trondheim-based club.

Despite the three goals, Rosenborg’s defense was unable to contain a Molde attack that operated with high efficiency. Islamović was the standout performer, not only scoring his two goals but also contributing two assists in a dominant substitute appearance. Hestad’s early brace set the tone for the match.

The victory marked a successful start to Molde’s Eliteserien campaign, improving their record to one win and no losses in the domestic league. Across all competitions this season, Molde remains undefeated with three wins. Rosenborg, meanwhile, begins its league season with a loss, dropping its record to zero wins and one loss.

The match was a physical affair, with the referee distributing six yellow cards. Rosenborg’s Jesper Reitan-Sunde, Samukelo Kabini and Håkon Volden were all booked in the second half, as were Molde’s Birk Risa, Dino Islamović and Emil Breivik. Rosenborg’s Alwande Roaldsøy also received a yellow card in stoppage time.

The result was a significant deviation from the pregame analysis. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a low-scoring 1-1 draw, while its ELO rating system had given Molde a 93.6 percent probability to win, though few could have predicted the sheer offensive firepower displayed in the first half.

Molde entered the match with positive momentum from its preseason, having defeated Strømsgodset 3-1 in its most recent outing. Rosenborg, despite a 4-1 victory over FK Haugesund in its previous match, could not carry that momentum into the league opener against its potent rivals.

Looking ahead, Rosenborg faces a quick turnaround with another Eliteserien match scheduled for later the same day against SK Brann. Molde’s next scheduled contest is not until January 25, 2026, when it is set to host Sarpsborg 08.