Bodø/Glimt Stuns Sporting CP in Champions League Round of 16 First Leg

Bodø/Glimt continued their remarkable Champions League journey with a dominant 3-0 victory over Sporting CP in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The Norwegian side, hailing from the Arctic town of Bodø, showcased their impressive form and tactical prowess to overcome the Portuguese champions.

Match Highlights

Sporting CP started the match with the first scoring opportunity, but Luis Suárez’s header from a corner went over the bar. Bodø/Glimt quickly responded, with Hauge testing the Sporting defense with a powerful shot that went wide.

The home side continued to press and in the 22nd minute, Ole Didrik Blomberg had a header cleared off the line by Sporting defenders. Shortly after, Bodø/Glimt was awarded a penalty, which Brunstad Fet calmly converted to give them a 1-0 lead.

Just before halftime, Blomberg doubled the advantage for Bodø/Glimt, sending the home crowd into raptures. The first half ended with Bodø/Glimt in firm control.

The second half saw Bodø/Glimt continue their attacking momentum. In the 55th minute, a near own goal from Sporting’s Inácio highlighted the pressure the Norwegian side was applying.

Kasper Høgh extended Bodø/Glimt’s lead in the 70th minute, finishing a well-worked move with a close-range finish. The goal effectively sealed the victory for the Norwegian champions.

Expert Reaction

TV 2 reporter Stamsø Møller praised Bodø/Glimt’s performance, stating, “They have been the absolute, absolute best team out here. It has been a wonderful match.”

TV2 expert Erik Thorstvedt expressed little surprise at the result, commenting, “This is the new normal, this – that they are actually that good.”

Coach Kjetil Knutsen’s Thoughts

Bodø/Glimt coach Kjetil Knutsen was pleased with his team’s display, saying, “I liked the way we played. Especially in the first half, when they gave us a lot of space.”

Lineups

Bodø/Glimt: Haikin – Sjøvold, Bjørtuft, Gundersen, Bjørkan – Evjen, Berg, Brunstad Fet – Blomberg, Høgh, Hauge

Sporting CP: Rui Silva – Vagiannidis, Diomonde, Inácio, Fresneda – João Simões, Hjulmand – Catamo, Trincão, Guilherme – Suárez

Looking Ahead

The return leg will be played in Portugal on Tuesday, with Bodø/Glimt holding a significant advantage. VG stated that “This double meeting already feels decided”.