Bodo/Glimt took a decisive step towards reaching this season’s Champions League after beating NEC Nijmegen 3-1 away in the Netherlands in the first leg of their qualifying play-off. The Norwegian champions, who reached the Europa League final last season, now hold a strong advantage heading into the return fixture.
What happened in the first leg?
Bodo/Glimt travelled to Nijmegen and produced an efficient away performance, scoring three goals to NEC’s one to secure a comfortable cushion ahead of the second leg. The result gives the Norwegian side control of the tie, with a two-goal margin to protect on home soil.
The result leaves Bodo/Glimt firmly in the driving seat to reach the Champions League proper, the club said.
Why does this result matter for Bodo/Glimt?
A place in this season’s Champions League would confirm Bodo/Glimt’s continued rise as one of Scandinavian football’s most consistent European performers. Last season the club captured wider attention with a memorable run to the Europa League final, and a return to Europe’s top club competition would further cement their reputation as regular continental contenders despite coming from a smaller footballing nation.
What comes next?
The second leg against NEC Nijmegen will determine which club advances to the Champions League league phase. With a 3-1 lead from the first meeting, Bodo/Glimt will be strong favourites to hold on and secure qualification, though NEC will look to overturn the deficit on their own accord in the return fixture.
