On Wednesday, in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoffs, Norwegian dark horse Bodø/Glimt produced a breathtaking display at home, crushing Austrian giants Sturm Graz 5–0.
With this emphatic win, they have virtually sealed qualification and are now just one step away from reaching the Champions League group stage for the very first time in their history.
Fortress Home Advantage, Setting New Norwegian Records
In recent seasons, Bodø/Glimt have emerged as a rising force in European football, with their fortress-like home ground causing significant problems for visiting giants.
Last season, they made history by becoming the first Norwegian club to reach the semi-finals of a major European competition, narrowly falling to Tottenham in the Europa League.
This season marks their third attempt to reach the Champions League group stage. Thanks to their strong performances in recent European campaigns, they earned direct entry into the playoffs. Head coach Knutsen is determined to lead his side to another milestone.
Dream Start Against Strong Opponents
Facing Sturm Graz, last season’s Austrian runners-up and Champions League participants, Bodø/Glimt hit the ground running in front of 7,896 passionate fans.
Just seven minutes in, Hauge broke the deadlock with a composed chip in a one-on-one.
Only three minutes later, Bjørtuft doubled the lead with a header. Within the opening 10 minutes, Bodø/Glimt had stormed into a 2–0 advantage. In the 25th minute, Saltnes turned in the box and slotted home to make it 3–0 at halftime.
Second-Half Domination, Qualification Almost Secured
The hosts showed no signs of slowing down after the break. In the 54th minute, Evjen extended the lead with another goal. Then, in the 79th minute, Sturm Graz defender Bøven accidentally scored an own goal, sealing a 5–0 rout. With this comprehensive victory, Bodø/Glimt are all but guaranteed a place in the group stage.
According to football statistics site OPTA, Bodø/Glimt now have a 99.8% chance of qualifying. For this 108-year-old club, the dream of Champions League football is about to come true. It would also mark the return of a Norwegian team to the group stage for the first time in 18 years.
After the match, both players and nearly 8,000 fans celebrated together in euphoric scenes, with supporters singing in unison long after the final whistle.
Fenerbahçe Held by 10-Man Benfica
Elsewhere, the other three playoff matches all ended in draws. José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe faced Portuguese powerhouse Benfica at home.
Despite having a man advantage after Benfica saw an early red card, the Turkish side failed to capitalise and were held to a 0–0 stalemate. With the second leg away in Lisbon, their path to qualification remains uncertain.
Celtic and Basel are Also Frustrated
Scottish champions Celtic were also surprisingly held at home, with Kazakh underdogs Kairat Almaty battling to a 0–0 draw. Meanwhile, Swiss giants Basel had to settle for a 1–1 draw against Danish outfit Copenhagen, leaving the tie broad open heading into the return leg.
Although the second legs still need to be played, Bodø/Glimt’s resounding 5–0 victory has practically secured their spot in the Champions League group stage.
For this Norwegian underdog, a historic moment is now within touching distance and European football is about to welcome back the roar of the North.
