Bodø/Glimt Qualifies for Champions League for Second Consecutive Year

Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt secured qualification to the UEFA Champions League for the second year in a row after a commanding 3-0 home victory over Dutch side NEC Nijmegen on August 25, 2026. The aggregate score was 6-1, confirming Bodø/Glimt's place in the prestigious tournament. The match saw an early turning point when NEC's goalkeeper Gonzalo Alexandru was sent off with a direct red card in the third minute, severely handicapping the Dutch team. Bodø/Glimt opened the scoring just before halftime with a goal by Fredrik Bjørkan, followed by a second goal from Sondre Aukland three minutes later, effectively sealing the win. An own goal by Davron Fonville in the 77th minute finalized the 3-0 scoreline.

Last season, Bodø/Glimt surprised Europe by reaching the Champions League round of 16, including a victory over Inter Milan in the round of 32. This year, their dominance continued, and they are expected to be taken seriously in the competition. NEC Nijmegen, which featured Charón Sherry for 45 minutes, will continue their European campaign in the UEFA Europa League.

Meanwhile, in a parallel playoff match, Austrian champions LASK Linz staged a dramatic comeback against Scottish champions Celtic. Despite trailing by four goals on aggregate after an early Celtic goal, LASK Linz equalized late with a 91st-minute goal by substitute Florian Pflucker, forcing the tie into extra time. The outcome of this match will determine which team advances further in the Champions League qualifiers.

The events unfolded on August 25, 2026, the same night that Israeli club Hapoel Be'er Sheva suffered a painful elimination from the competition.