Bodø/Glimt welcome NEC Nijmegen to Aspmyra Stadion for the UEFA Champions League Playoff round second leg with a two-goal cushion to protect. The Norwegian champions lead 3-1 on aggregate after a clinical win in the first meeting in the Netherlands. With a group-stage place within reach, both teams step into a high-stakes night under the lights in Bodø. Follow live scores, lineups and the Sofascore Rating on the match page, and explore the UEFA Champions League hub on Sofascore for full competition coverage.

Where the tie stands

The first leg swung Bodø/Glimt’s way 3-1 in Nijmegen, despite NEC holding 69% possession and firing 22 total shots. Bodø/Glimt were ruthless with their moments, registering five big chances to NEC’s two and converting three of them. Sondre Fet opened the scoring after a sharp move, Andreas Helmersen doubled the lead from the spot, and Haitam Aleesami’s header from a corner made it three. NEC’s response arrived late, with Clement Bischoff pulling one back on 85 minutes from a Dušan Tadić pass.

Nikita Haikin had a strong night in goal for Bodø/Glimt with five saves and a Sofascore Rating of 7.4, while the visitors also out-cleared NEC 63 to 18 under pressure. The Sofascore Rating team average favored Bodø/Glimt 7.53 to 7.14, underlining how efficient the Norwegians were without the ball. NEC created plenty of territory and entries into the final third, but Bodø/Glimt’s box defending and transitions told the story. The aggregate stands at 3-1, leaving NEC with a big climb in Bodø.

Form guide and streaks

Bodø/Glimt arrive in excellent shape. They are on a 16-match unbeaten run and have won their last three in all competitions according to team streaks data. They have also been first to score in 10 straight matches and led at half-time in eight of their last ten. Goals tend to flow in their games, with over 2.5 goals in seven of their last seven.

NEC have been involved in entertaining scorelines too, with both teams scoring in five of their last six. Cards trends suggest relatively modest totals for both clubs, with less than 4.5 cards in five of Bodø/Glimt’s last seven and in four of NEC’s last five. NEC matches also trend toward fewer corners, with under 10.5 corners in six of their last seven. Head-to-head is brief but clear: Bodø/Glimt lead 1-0 in matches and in the managers’ duel, with Kjetil Knutsen getting the better of Dick Schreuder in the opener.

Tactical outlook and likely lineups

Lineups are not yet confirmed, but the data points to Bodø/Glimt setting up in a 4-3-3 and NEC in a 3-4-2-1. Bodø/Glimt’s midfield three of Patrick Berg, Sondre Auklend and Sondre Fet balanced control and bite well in the first leg. Up front, Ole Didrik Blomberg and Jens Petter Hauge worked off target man Andreas Helmersen, who won key aerials and converted a penalty. Fullbacks Fredrik A. Bjørkan and Haitam Aleesami contributed heavily in both phases, with Aleesami directly on the scoresheet.

For NEC, Brayann Pereira and Tobias Storm offer progression from the back line, while Darko Nejašmić anchors midfield with energy and tackles. In advanced roles, Tjaronn Chery and Dušan Tadić supplied chance creation and crossing volume, with Bryan Linssen battling centrally. Referee Michael Oliver takes charge, bringing extensive European experience with 658 games, 2,308 yellow cards and 50 straight reds on his record. How he manages tempo and advantage could matter against two sides that like to play through contact.

Players to watch

Home: Jens Petter Hauge is featured as Bodø/Glimt’s player to watch based on the highest market value selection. Valued at €12.5m, the forward carries top-tier pedigree and can punish in transition. He also influenced the first leg with an assist and four key passes before being withdrawn, and his movement between the lines helped unlock NEC’s shape. With Bodø/Glimt protecting a lead, his decision-making on counters will be pivotal.