Expectations for Brann were low ahead of the 2011 season, with VG predicting that Brann would be relegated. Nonetheless, Brann opened the season strongly with victories over reigning league champion Rosenborg and Lillestrøm in the first and second rounds. Although the season did not continue as strongly as that, Brann remained a contender for a top three position in the league and the team also qualified to the 2011 Norwegian Football Cup Final by defeating Fredrikstad in the semi-final. Hopes for a medal were dashed however, when Brann first lost the cup final 1-2 against Aalesund, and then the last match of the league, also against Aalesund. Finally, Brann finished in fourth place.