# Bodo/Glimt Move Close to Champions League Return with First-Leg Win Over NEC

> By bgsvm · Published 2026-08-20 · Updated 2026-08-20
> https://lesportifplus.com/en/2026/08/20/bodo-glimt-move-close-to-champions-league-return-with-first-leg-win-over-nec/

## Summary
Bodo/Glimt beat NEC Nijmegen 3-1 away in the first leg of their Champions League qualifying play-off, putting the Norwegian champions in a commanding position to reach this season's competition. The Europa League finalists from last season now need only to protect their lead in the second leg to confirm qualification.

## Key points
- Bodo/Glimt won the first leg 3-1 away at NEC Nijmegen
- The Norwegian side reached last season's Europa League final
- A two-goal advantage puts them in strong position to qualify for the Champions League

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.

## Source

- [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/c62v4v90yd9o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — BBC Sport

## Sources
- [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/c62v4v90yd9o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)