In an electrifying night at the Stadio Olimpico, Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt made history as the first Norwegian team to reach the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, defeating Lazio 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 3-3 aggregate draw. The 3-1 Lazio victory on the night was not enough to overturn the 2-0 deficit from the first leg, as Bodo/Glimtâs resilience and composure from the spot secured their place in the final four.
Lazio, trailing 2-0 from the first leg in Norway, knew they needed a monumental effort to advance. Manager Marco Baroni deployed an attacking lineup featuring Taty Castellanos, Mattia Zaccagni, and Gustav Isaksen, with the home crowd roaring them on. The Biancocelesti struck early, as Castellanos scored in the 20th minute with a clever back-heel from Isaksenâs cross, reducing the aggregate deficit to 2-1.
Despite dominating possession and creating chances, Lazio couldnât find a second goal before halftime. Zaccagni hit the bar with a header, and Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Haikin made key saves to keep his side in the tie. The breakthrough came in the 92nd minute when Tijjani Noslin converted a flick-on from Alessio Romagnoli, leveling the aggregate score at 2-2 and forcing extra time.
In extra time, Lazio took the lead on the night and in the tie when Boulaye Dia headed in a Matteo Guendouzi cross in the 107th minute, making it 3-0 (3-2 on aggregate). However, Bodo/Glimt responded almost immediately, with Andreas Helmersen capitalizing on a defensive error to score in the 109th minute, tying the aggregate at 3-3 and setting the stage for penalties.
The penalty shootout was a tale of nerves and missed opportunities for Lazio. Bodo/Glimtâs Ulrik Saltnes and Lazioâs Mattia Zaccagni scored their opening attempts, but Lazioâs Loum Tchaouna had his penalty saved by Haikin. Bodo/Glimtâs Patrick Berg then missed, keeping Lazio alive. However, Noslin fired wide, and Castellanos saw his effort saved by Haikin. Bodo/Glimtâs Sondre Brunstad Fet and Brede Moe converted, and Berg redeemed his earlier miss with the decisive penalty, sealing a 3-2 shootout win.
Nikita Haikin was the hero for Bodo/Glimt, making crucial saves in regulation and stopping two penalties in the shootout. Taty Castellanos scored the opener for Lazio and was a constant threat, but his missed penalty proved costly. Andreas Helmersenâs goal in extra time was pivotal, keeping Bodo/Glimtâs hopes alive. Matteo Guendouzi provided the assist for Diaâs goal and scored in the shootout, but it wasnât enough.
Bodo/Glimtâs Kjetil Knutsen praised his teamâs belief: âWe played with heart and discipline. To come to Rome and win like this is a dream for Norwegian football.â Lazioâs Marco Baroni expressed frustration: âWe gave everything, but penalties are cruel. Iâm proud of the team, but this hurts.â