Yesterday marked the eighth and final matchday of the UEFA Champions League group stage. With no fewer than eighteen games kicking off at the same time, a lot was still to play for. Some teams, such as Atlético Madrid, were fighting for a place in the top eight, while others, like the Norwegian side Bodø Glimt, were hoping to finish inside the top twenty four.
With standings shifting constantly between 9 and 11 P.M., you almost needed a mathematician next to you to know where your team stood. We have already learned one thing about this new format: every goal counts. One goal more or less can make all the difference.
Bodø Glimt is the team everyone has been talking about lately. My first introduction to them was in 2023 when they were in the same Conference League group as Club Brugge. Both playing in the Conference League only two years ago, now they have now become a side feared throughout Europe.
The Norwegians have been on winter break since late November, but European football does not stop. They managed to take a point away at Dortmund, and then came their biggest shock of all. On the previous matchday they beat Manchester City 3:1 in their own small stadium. Bodø play their home games in front of 8,200 supporters, just enough to meet UEFA’s regulations.
The Norwegians have proven to be giant killers. Once again it was David against Goliath, and the Scandinavians absolutely thrive in those situations. Diego Simeone had been warned.
I took my seat at the top of the Metropolitano. Luckily the internet connection was excellent up there because the scores at the other pitches had to be checked constantly to keep track of the standings elsewhere. I also noticed that thousands of fans had travelled from Norway to the Spanish capital. It was beautiful to see and you could feel that this might become a legendary night for them.
Bodø needed a win to have a chance of going through, and that showed immediately. In the opening minutes they created two well played opportunities that came very close to the first goal.
Atleti then took control. The Norwegians escaped an early setback when Alex Baena’s goal was ruled out for offside. In the 15th minute, though, it was their compatriot Alexander Sørloth who found the net. After a strong cross from David Hancko he headed in his second goal of the campaign against his former club.
Than, Pablo Barrios and Sørloth came close to doubling the lead, but goalkeeper Nikita Haikin kept Atleti’s second of the night out with outstanding saves.
Bodø did not panic and continued to play attractive football. Despite Atleti’s low block and solid organisation, the Vikings still managed to create chances. In the thirty fourth minute they finally got what they deserved. Fredrik Bjørkan received the ball inside the box and set up Fredrik Sjøvold, who calmly placed his shot past Jan Oblak from the penalty spot area.
The home side still created opportunities. Haikin made a superb save to deny Nico González’s header, Julián Álvarez headed onto the roof of the net, and Pablo Barrios struck the crossbar. It was a miracle that the score remained 1:1 when referee Maurizio Mariani blew for halftime.
Both teams still had everything to fight for, both needed a win to reach their objectives. Once again Atleti created the better chances but simply could not finish them.
In the 57th minute their inefficiency was punished. When the home side failed to clear the ball inside the box, the visitors managed to score a chaotic goal. Håkon Evjen was denied three times in a row, but then Kasper Høgh reacted quickest at the near post to poke the ball in. A true FIFA style goal, but more importantly a lead for the visitors from Norway. Who would have predicted that?
Atleti’s response summed up their entire match. The intention was there, but the finishing was not. Sørloth and substitute Thiago Almada missed the biggest chances.
Diego Simeone’s team never found a way back and will now have to settle for a place as a seeded side in the knockout play offs after their run of thirteen consecutive home wins came to an abrupt end. The supporters did not take it well. Many left the stadium early and those who stayed treated the players to loud whistles.
For Glimt it was the exact opposite. This night will surely go down as one of the greatest in their club history. A second impressive victory in a single week secures their place in the knockout stage. After incredible results against Dortmund, Manchester City and Atlético Madrid, Kjetil Knutsen’s men might dare to dream even bigger.
Little Bodø Glimt suddenly was so big. One of the greatest football shocks I have personally witnessed. Due to Atletico’s position in the table, there is a 50% chance that they will face Belgian Club Brugge. I’m already looking forward to the draw for the next round.
