Remarkable Bodø's Europa anthem mix-up against NEC

FK Bodø/Glimt issued a statement after the Europa League anthem was mistakenly played before their Champions League tie with NEC, a match the Norwegian side won 3‑0. The club explained that the wrong button had been pressed, causing the iconic Champions League music to be replaced by the Europa League tune.

Wrong anthem played at Bodø

The Europa League anthem was broadcast in the stadium instead of the iconic Champions League anthem that should have opened the tie. The mix‑up meant the expected music of the “billion‑ball” was absent.

In contrast to earlier qualifying rounds, clubs in the play‑offs may play the famous Champions League anthem at kickoff. This provision makes the error more noticeable for supporters.

For the first‑leg match at De Goffert, fans and players alike looked forward to hearing the anthem. The De Goffert venue in Nijmegen anticipated the sound of the Champions League music.

While the game in Nijmegen proceeded without incident, the Norwegian side appeared less sharp when the anthem error occurred at the start of the return leg. The wrong tune was played just before the kickoff in Bodø.

After the match, Bodø/Glimt’s press chief issued a statement to , saying, “Someone pressed the wrong button.”

The Norwegian team secured a 3‑0 victory, a result helped by a red card shown to NEC goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz in the third minute.