Bodø/Glimt’s Champions pedigree fuels playoff surge

El Bodo/Glimt, the surprise package of last season’s Champions, the Bodø/Glimt players celebrating before NEC Nimega EFE/EPA/BART STOUTJESDIJKEFEImma Fútbol internacional, took a decisive step toward the league phase on Wednesday, beating NEC Nimega 3‑1 in the first‑leg playoff. Goals came from Fet (25’), Helmersen (44’ penalty) and Aleesami (50’), with Aleesami adding a consolation at 85’ for the Dutch side.

Champions breakthrough and historic feats

En Bodo/Glimt made headlines in the previous Champions by reaching the round of 16 for the first time and by knocking out Inter, the then‑runners‑up. The Norwegian side’s unexpected run highlighted their growing stature on Europe’s biggest stage. Their elimination of a club that finished as Champions League runners‑up underscored the depth of their squad.

In the first half of the NEC Nimega tie, the Norwegian side surged to a 0‑3 lead, with Fet scoring in the 25th minute, Helmersen converting a penalty in the 44th, and Aleesami finding the net in the 50th. The rapid succession of goals left the Dutch side chasing the game. The early dominance set the tone for the tie and left the Dutch side with limited time to respond.

Aleesami later reduced the deficit for the Dutch side in the 85th minute, and the return leg is scheduled for Tuesday 25 August, with the league‑phase draw set for 27 August at 18:00. The schedule gives Bodø/Glimt a brief window to consolidate their advantage. A strong performance in the return leg would likely secure Bodø/Glimt’s place in the league phase.

European playoff landscape

Other first‑leg playoff fixtures produced a mix of results: Levski Sofia drew 0‑0 with AEK Athens, Dinamo Zagreb held Viking 2‑2, Slovan Bratislava matched Celje 1‑1, Hapoel Be’er Sheva edged Sabah 2‑1, and NEC Nimega fell 1‑3 to Bodø/Glimt. These outcomes set up decisive second‑leg encounters on 25 and 26 August. The varied results illustrate the competitive balance across the qualifying round.

Celtic delivered a 3‑0 first‑leg victory over Austrian LASK, with Benjamin Nygren opening the scoring in the 26th minute and Camilo Durán completing a double in the 38th and 67th, the latter assisted by Nygren. The Scottish side’s clean sheet reinforces their confidence ahead of the return match. Nygren’s assist for the second goal showcased his vision and link‑up play.

Slovan Bratislava and Celje shared a 1‑1 draw, Cerepkai putting Bratislava ahead in the 15th minute before Avdyli equalised at the break. Both clubs will look to tip the balance in the upcoming second leg. Both teams will aim to capitalize on any defensive lapses in the second encounter.

Hapoel Be’er Sheva secured a 2‑1 win against Sabah FK, after Sabah’s Simic gave the visitors an early lead in the 6th minute, East equalised for the Israelis in the 43rd, and Zlatanovic clinched the winner in the 79th. The Israeli side’s comeback demonstrates their resilience in the knockout format. The decisive goal by Zlatanovic came after a period of sustained pressure from the Israeli side.

The contrast between Bodø/Glimt’s clear momentum and the mixed fortunes of their European rivals underscores the Norwegian club’s strong position heading into the decisive second leg and the upcoming league‑phase draw. A successful return leg could see them back in the league phase, while other teams face tighter margins. The upcoming draw on 27 August will determine the groups each successful club joins for the league phase.