The Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt prepares to face Union Saint-Gilloise in the third qualifying round of the Champions League on Tuesday at 20:00. Last season, the Scandinavian team delivered impressive results by defeating both Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in the group stage.
Knutsen targets match dominance
Kjetil Knutsen, Bodo/Glimt’s head coach, addressed the media at the KVDO Arena in Ostend, describing Union Saint-Gilloise as a formidable opponent. “They play with physicality and directness, and we’ve studied their strengths and weaknesses closely,” he explained. “But we also have our own identity to rely on. Our game plan is solid, and we aim to control the match. Whether at home or away, we always play offensively—there’s no plan to defend for 95 minutes.”
Previous meeting offers limited insights
The two teams last met in October 2024 during the Europa League group stage, ending in a 0-0 draw at Brussels’ King Baudouin Stadium. Knutsen, who has led Bodo/Glimt since early 2018, acknowledges the match but insists Union has evolved significantly. “Some players remain from that era, but their approach has stayed consistent: they integrate new talent seamlessly, nurture growth, and sell for a profit. Like us, they aren’t the biggest club financially, yet they’ve grown over the years. In Belgium, they’re among the top two teams, alongside Club Bruges, and they do an outstanding job.”