Bodo/Glimt’s fairytale Champions League run ends against Sporting

This fairytale qualification to the knockout rounds looks unlikely for Bodo/Glimt after they failed to win their first six matches in the league stage, meaning they need good results against Manchester City and Atletico to qualify for the play-offs.

Despite the odds, they gave it to them.

The 3-1 win over Pep Guardiola’s men brought well-deserved attention and plaudits, but it was not a one-off as Bodo beat Atletico 2-1 in Madrid to secure a play-off place.

Knutsen’s team lost to Tottenham in the semi-finals of the Europa League last season, after becoming the first Norwegian team to reach the semi-finals in a major European competition.

The key to their success has often been their ability to make their home matches as difficult as possible.

In northern Norway, Bodø is often very cold, snowy and windy during the long winter months, with temperatures reaching sub-zero numbers.

Difficult weather conditions make the team play on an artificial field made of plastic, which is difficult for many teams that are accustomed to playing on grass to deal with.

These aspects, coupled with the players’ determination and strong belief in their abilities, meant that many of them left Budo defeated.

They thrashed Jose Mourinho’s Roma 6-1 at home in the Conference League five years ago, while Celtic, Besiktas, Porto and Lazio have also been victims in recent years.

Bodo crashed out of the Champions League after winning their last three home games – beating Manchester City, Inter Milan and Sporting – and will look to his home record to serve him well again when he next plays European football.