Bodo/Glimt showed their class as they defeated Dutch side NEC Nijmegen 3-1 in the Champions League playoff first leg in the Netherlands, making it increasingly possible that they could reach the league phase again.
The Norwegian side has been one of the most exciting teams to follow in Europe in recent times, and they travelled to the Netherlands determined to continue their impressive run in the Champions League. Their performance demonstrated confidence and quality against a difficult opponent away from home.
Bodo/Glimt Take Control in the Netherlands
Every match at the playoff stage of the Champions League qualifiers presents a serious challenge, and no team can be underestimated after reaching this stage of the competition. However, Bodo fans would have travelled with confidence that their side had the ability to get the job done.
They have continued to perform well in Europe, and they came close to securing a 3-0 victory before NEC pulled one goal back. Bodo/Glimt also created several additional opportunities and could have scored even more if they had been more clinical in front of goal.
The result leaves the Norwegian side in a strong position heading into the second leg, although they will know there is still work to do before securing progression to the league phase.
Aleesami Believes More Goals Were Possible
Despite the impressive victory, Haitam Aleesami believes Bodo/Glimt should have scored more goals after creating numerous excellent chances throughout the match. He reflected on the missed opportunities and admitted to being disappointed at conceding late in the game.
He said via Dagbladet:
“We have some insane opportunities to score more.
“It’s a little bitter that it says 3-1 and not 4-0. It would have been more delicious to keep the zero, I should honestly admit, but I sing we war and stand in it.”
Bodo/Glimt will now look towards the second leg with confidence after producing an excellent display in the Netherlands. Although they missed several chances and were unable to keep a clean sheet, they remain in a favourable position to continue their Champions League journey.
The Norwegian club will hope to be even more clinical in the return fixture as they aim to finish the job and book another place in the league phase.
