BODO/GLIMT - The Arctic Circle stars

Norwegian champions... Bodo/Glimt

1 Oct 2025 - World Soccer

One of four debutants in this season’s Champions League – along with Pafos, Union SG and Kairat – the yellow-clad team from north of the Arctic Circle have been busy imposing a freeze on Norwegian opposition in recent times, winning four league titles since 2020. 

For a substantial period, Rosenborg were the face of Norwegian football, totally dominant in the Eliteserien and good enough to reach the Champions League quarter-finals in 1996-97. But now the baton has passed to small-town club extraordinaire Bodo/Glimt, whose population (approximately 55,000) would fit into most Champions League venues with much room to spare.

Under the inspirational leadership of long-serving coach Kjetil Knutsen, the Yellows already have a European record to be proud of, progressing to the quarter-finals of the Conference League in 2021-22 and semi-finalists in last season’s Europa League, where they lost to eventual winners Tottenham Hotspur. Over the course of 90 minutes in Europe, Bodo/Glimt have proved a match for anyone – just ask Roma, Celtic, Porto or Lazio, all of whom have succumbed to the northerners.

- Which player will carry the biggest threat for Bodo/Glimt?

Without doubt, the Norwegian champions are at their most dangerous when their outstanding left-winger Jens Petter Hauge is in full cry. In the 5-0 win over Sturm Graz in the first leg of the qualifying play-offs, the ex-Milan man was simply irresistible, setting up 3 of the goals.

- A piece of advice to adversaries?

Try not to concede corners. Bodo/Glimt are very much set-piece specialists, with a wide range of highly-effective routines and a great deliverer of a dead ball in midfielder and captain Patrick Berg. No team scored more from corners in last season’s Europa League than their 6.

- Can striker Kasper Hogh repeat his form of last season when he scored 7 Europa League goals?

The Dane is certainly in a rich vein of form at the moment, top of the 2025 Eliteserien scoring charts. He’s confident and knows he can rely on excellent service from those around him. His off-the-ball movement is very good and he can finish with force or subtlety.

COACH - Kjetil Knutsen

After 7 years of innovative success, a move to England could be just around the corner.

KEY MAN - Odin Bjorkan 

Attacking left-back who does a fine job of supporting and drawing attention away from chief creator Hauge.

YOUNGSTER - Fredrik Sjovold

Purposeful and tactically disciplined right-back. The 22-year-old has been a first teamer for the past 3 years.