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Bodo/Glimt came agonizingly close to securing a spot in the Champions League this season but fell short in the final play-off against Red Star Belgrade. Despite winning the first leg 2-1 at home, the Norwegian champions were defeated 2-0 in the second leg, missing out on their chance. Bodo, the reigning national champions, consistently compete in European qualifiers every year.
At the time of writing, they lead their domestic league with a 10-point advantage and are on the brink of clinching the title once again. Recently, they faced HamKam at home and had a trip to Brann’s ground last weekend as they continue their push for another championship.
On the other hand, Porto, a legendary club in both Portuguese and European football, famously won the Champions League in 2004 under José Mourinho. However, after finishing third in the league last season, they failed to progress to the group stages of the Champions League this time. Porto started their domestic campaign strongly, winning their first three matches without conceding a goal.
They secured victories over Gil Vicente (3-0), Santa Clara (2-0), and Rio Ave (2-0), all of which saw their opponents reduced to 10 men. However, they suffered their first defeat before the international break, losing 2-0 to defending champions Sporting. After the break, Porto hosted Farense and visited Guimaraes in their ongoing domestic campaign.
Bodo/Glimt faces several notable absences, including key players like Wenbangomo and Slovenian international Zugelj, who featured in the Euros. Other long-term absentees include young talents Daniel Bassi, Elabdellaoui, Skeide, and Vetti, but the team has adapted to their absence. The club also lost their top scorer Gronbaek (8 goals in 15 league appearances) to Rennes during the transfer window. However, striker Hogh (8 goals) and Norwegian international Berg (6 goals) will be available for this match.
Porto also has a couple of key absentees, with Marcano and Zaidu likely missing due to long-term injuries. The Dragons no longer have Mehdi Taremi (now at Inter Milan) and Evanilson, who was transferred to Bournemouth this summer. Summer signing Samu Omorodion, who arrived from Atlético Madrid after a solid season with Alaves, is expected to play an important role, along with Ivan Jaime (2 goals, 2 assists), and rising talents like Nico Gonzalez (ex-Barcelona) and Brazilian star Pepê.
Prediction
Bodo/Glimt has been incredibly consistent in keeping their home matches low-scoring, with none of their last 42 home games featuring over 3.5 goals. Similarly, Porto has seen under 3.5 goals in 17 consecutive away Europa League fixtures.
Prediction: Bodo/Glimt 1-1 FC Porto
