In-depth Analysis
Bodo/Glimt have emerged as one of the most intriguing stories in this season’s Champions League. During the group stage, the Norwegian side made a strong impression by going unbeaten in their final three matches, drawing with Dortmund before defeating Man City and Atletico Madrid. That impressive run helped the Nordic club secure a place in the play-off round.
Bodo/Glimt’s remarkable form did not stop there. They continued to shock many by eliminating Inter with a 5-2 aggregate score to reach the Round of 16. After a 3-1 win at their home ground, Aspmyra, coach Kjetil Knutsen’s team stunned fans again by securing a 2-1 victory in Italy. As a result, Bodo/Glimt became the first Norwegian club to win four consecutive matches in the Champions League and also the first to advance past a knockout round in this prestigious competition.
However, the upcoming challenge will be far tougher. Sporting Lisbon are very different from an out-of-form Inter, as they are a more stable and experienced side. The team coached by Rui Borges is currently on a 12-match unbeaten run in all competitions, including nine victories. In the Champions League group stage, Sporting also impressed by defeating both PSG and Athletic Bilbao, finishing in the top eight and securing direct qualification for the Round of 16.
Although Aspmyra remains a formidable fortress for Bodo/Glimt — where they have won 12 of their last 17 European matches — Sporting possess enough quality to break that record. With an experienced squad and a disciplined style of play, the “Lions of Lisbon” could be the antidote to the phenomenon known as Bodo/Glimt.