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Last season’s Europa League semi-final run marked the finest European campaign in Bodo/Glimt’s modern history. Now, the Norwegian champions are setting their sights even higher, with the UEFA Champions League seen as the next crucial step in their long-term project. Thanks to their domestic title, Glimt entered directly into the playoff round without needing to navigate the earlier qualifying stages.
In the Eliteserien, the title defense has been steady if not flawless. After 18 league matches, Bodo sit second, trailing a resurgent Viking side. Their recent form has been strong, however, with an eight-game unbeaten streak heading into last weekend’s trip to Strømsgodset. Within this run, Glimt claimed notable victories, including a 7-2 demolition of Vålerenga, a 2-0 home win against Sandefjord, and a 1-0 triumph away to Strømsgodset.
Sturm Graz Eyeing a Return to the Champions League
For Sturm Graz, the challenge is just as great. The Austrian champions featured in last season’s group stage but finished a disappointing 30th overall, bowing out in January. Nonetheless, participation in Europe’s elite competition remains vital both for prestige and for the financial boost it provides under UEFA’s reformed format.
Like Bodo, Graz also bypassed the opening qualifying rounds as league winners. Their domestic campaign is still in its early stages, with mixed results across the first three games: a 2-0 away win at LASK Linz, followed by a 1-2 home defeat to Rapid Vienna, and then a hard-fought encounter against Ried last weekend.
Team News and Key Players
Bodo/Glimt face some selection challenges, with five players sidelined through injury. Among the absentees are prolific forward Ole Blomberg (five league goals), defensive stalwart Jostein Gundersen, and center-back Brede Moe. Midfielder Mikkel Bro Hansen and young loanee Samuel Burakovsky also remain unavailable.
Despite these setbacks, Glimt still boast attacking firepower. Star forward Amahl Pellegrino Høgh (14 goals, 5 assists this season) and captain Ulrik Saltnes (7 goals, 4 assists) continue to drive the team’s creativity and finishing. Recent departures include Sortre (to Sarpsborg) and Kjaer, while young recruit Magnus Antonsen (19) has yet to make his debut.
Sturm Graz, meanwhile, have retained most of their title-winning core. Midfield contributors Stefan Horvat (4 goals, 8 assists) and Otar Kiteishvili (12 goals, 3 assists) remain key figures, supported by forwards like William Bøving (11 goals, 5 assists), Grgic (5 goals, 2 assists), and Jatta (same tally). They also regained promising Ivorian U23 international Malick Yalcouye after his loan spell at Brighton. In goal, Oliver Christensen—on loan from Fiorentina—looks set to establish himself as first-choice keeper.
Prediction
Bodo/Glimt have turned St. James Park into a fortress in recent European outings, winning 13 of their last 17 Champions League home matches—including a previous success against Sturm Graz earlier this year. In contrast, Graz have struggled badly away from home in Europe, losing 12 of their last 17 away games at this level.
With Bodo’s high-scoring attack and home advantage, they appear well-placed to take control of the tie. Sturm Graz’s resilience and quality should allow them to find the net, but history suggests the Norwegians will dominate in front of their own fans.
Prediction: Bodo/Glimt 3:1 Sturm Graz
