Bodø/Glimt are the dark horses of this season’s UEFA Champions League and it will not be a surprise if the Nordic warriors send packing more than a few good teams. Manchester City and Atletico Madrid had a bitter taste of Aspmyra hospitality, while the Italian giants Inter Milan were dumped for good by the sheer bravado and sublime skill of the Scandinavians.
Sporting, one of the greatest clubs coming out of Portugal will be next in line to face Bodø/Glimt in the 1st leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, having acquired a direct qualification, while the Norwegians had to get past Inter to reach the Round of 16 for the very first time.
The Aspmyra Stadion is nothing short of a fortress for Bodø/Glimt. Having won their last 5 games in all competitions, the Norwegians are high on confidence and with a fully fit side to boot, they will not be easy to dismantle.
With the likes of Jean Petter Hauge, Kasper Høgh, Hakon Evjen, Fret and Berg, Bodø/Glimt are a terrific side laced with flair and seamless coordination on the field.
Sporting on the other hand are hampered with a few injuries which might upset the Portuguese apple-cart. Geovany Quenda and Fotis Ionnaidis are indisposed while Maximiliano Arajo and Pote are serving a suspension.
I am backing the Norwegian side to win tonight. Sporting may spring a surprise, only if they play out of their skins in the cold of the Aspmyra Stadion.