Bodø/Glimt has achieved a historic milestone, marking what can only be described as the finest performance ever by a Norwegian football club. This accolade comes directly from Ståle Solbakken, Norway’s national coach, following Bodø/Glimt’s impressive 2-1 victory over Italian giants Inter in the Champions League. This triumph propels the Norwegian team into the round of 16, a significant step forward in their journey.
Coach Solbakken asserts that Bodø/Glimt’s accomplishment eclipses that of Rosenborg in 1996, when the team made it to the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier club tournament. “An absolutely incredible performance. The biggest club performance of all time,” he remarked to Nettavisen.
The northern Norwegian club had already secured a solid 3-1 win on their home turf in the first leg, leading to a convincing aggregate score of 5-2 against their prestigious opponents. This triumph is part of a stunning run for Bodø/Glimt, which has also seen them defeat English powerhouse Manchester City and Spain’s Atletico Madrid earlier this year.
“Glimt possesses a unique quality,” Solbakken noted. “When they sense an opportunity, whether it’s a chance to score or set up a counterattack, they capitalize on it. And when the opposition falters, they strike decisively,” he explained.
He further elaborated on their defensive tactics during the match, acknowledging that it was a battle on the field. “I don’t think they expected to face 20 corners and 40 crosses, yet they defended brilliantly and showed strong dueling skills,” Solbakken highlighted.
Kjetil Knutsen, the head coach of Bodø/Glimt since 2018, expressed immense pride in the team’s achievement. “This is a fantastic evening for the club, the players, the city, and for Norwegian football as a whole,” he stated, according to AFP. Knutsen emphasized that the focus has never been solely on scoring goals, but rather on performance, development, and growth for both the players and the team.
“We have our unique approach, and that holds significant importance,” Knutsen added.
As for the next challenge, either Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon awaits in the round of 16, with the draw set for Friday.
— /ritzau/NTB
