The Daly Brief | Bodo/Glimt vs Spurs, UEFA Champions League | OneFootball

"Bodo/Glimt haven’t changed much since last season’s Europa League encounters - however, their first ever home Champions League game should be motivation enough to get a better result..."

Rob Daly, official club commentator, presenter and pundit

Tale of two ties...

Spurs beat the Norwegian champions 5-1 on aggregate last season - not an achievement to be sniffed at. Bodo/Glimt had won against Porto, Olympiacos and Lazio on their way to a first continental semi-final. At home, Ange Postecoglou’s side had 24 shots to 3 in a rousing 3-1 victory, while in the second leg, Spurs sat off a bit deeper and scored from a corner, Dominic Solanke bundling the ball home, before Pedro Porro’s cross flew into the net. It’s worth noting that in both games, Bodo/Glimt had more of the ball - 58% of it in north London and 69% at home. Yes, Spurs have a different head coach now, but it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Kjetil Knutsen’s team have the lion’s share of possession.

History makers...

Bodo/Glimt had to come through qualifying to become the first Norwegian side to reach the Champions League proper in 18 years. They thrashed Austrian side Sturm Graz in the play-off round 6-2 - winning the first leg 5-0 in a raucous atmosphere at the Aspmyra Stadion. The team goals were superb in that game - slick moves with intricate work around the area. It was a reminder of the understanding amongst a group of players that has largely stayed the same under the same manager for many years.

Czech comeback...

On their Champions League debut two weeks ago, Bodo/Glimt came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Slavia Prague. The game seemed lost with 12 minutes to go before winger Daniel Bassi gave them hope. A 90th minute equaliser from substitute Sondre Brunstad Fet, a volley that crashed in off of the crossbar, sparked wild celebrations from the visitors. It was further proof of their belief on the European stage, and of their squad depth - as both scorers were second half substitutes. “I am really proud of the reaction of my team to going 2-0 down. Many people thought it was over," said Knutsen at full-time. “But we have experience - we have been in Europe for many years now. I am really proud of how we came back. We had a lot of problems on the left. We managed to make good substitutions in the second half. It was a very good experience for us - we have a precious point."

Dangermen...

Patrick Berg is one of their regular starters - dictating play from midfield - with an excellent delivery from set-pieces. With that quality, towering striker Kasper Høgh, last season’s 7-goal top scorer in the Europa League, and defender Odin Bjørtuft are a threat in the air. Jens Petter Hauge, formerly of AC Milan and Frankfurt, provides intricate, between-the-lines play like Xavi Simons does for Spurs. They have added a new attacking threat in Mathias Jorgensen, who scored 16 goals for Danish side AaB last season. A versatile forward has a rocket of a left foot but hasn’t featured since a half-time withdrawal against Slavia Prague on matchday one. Regardless of who starts - the challenge is obvious. Bodo/Glimt are excellent at home, having won 9 of their last 11 European games at the Aspmyra Stadion.

Last time in Bodo...