In a freezing encounter at Aspmyra Stadion, Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt delivered a commanding performance to secure a 2-0 win over Serie A giants Lazio in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie. A brace from midfielder Ulrik Saltnes handed the hosts a deserved advantage, leaving Lazio with a mountain to climb in the return leg in Rome.
The match, played in challenging zero-degree conditions with snow cleared from the artificial pitch just hours before kick-off, saw Bodo/Glimt dominate from start to finish. Lazio, who arrived as group phase leaders, struggled to adapt to the synthetic surface and the relentless pace set by their opponents. The Biancocelesti managed just one shot on target, a stark contrast to Bodo/Glimt’s relentless attacking threat.
Saltnes opened the scoring just two minutes into the second half, poking home from close range after a well-worked move breached Lazio’s defense. The 69th-minute second goal showcased his flair, as he latched onto a delicate chipped pass from Jens Petter Hauge and lobbed the ball over advancing Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas. Saltnes nearly completed a hat-trick in the 83rd minute, but Mandas stood firm, denying him with a sharp save. The Greek keeper also thwarted a late volley from defender Odin Bjortuft, preventing an even heavier defeat.
Lazio’s manager, Marco Baroni, acknowledged his team’s struggles post-match, pointing to the artificial pitch and the freezing conditions as factors. “We couldn’t cope with the pace today, and the surface played a part,” Baroni told Sky Sport Italia. “But qualification is still open. We’ll regroup and fight in Rome.” He urged his players to recover quickly, with a crucial Serie A derby against Roma looming on Sunday before the decisive second leg next Thursday.
Bodo/Glimt, aiming to become the first Norwegian side to reach a European Cup semi-final, capitalized on their home advantage. Manager Kjetil Knutsen praised his team’s discipline and intensity. “We knew we had to be aggressive and take our chances,” Knutsen said. “The tie isn’t over, but this gives us confidence.”
Lazio’s lackluster display raised concerns among fans, with some pointing to the absence of suspended midfielder Nicolo Rovella as a key factor in their midfield struggles. The Italians appeared passive defensively, allowing Bodo/Glimt players time and space to dictate the game. Despite the setback, Lazio will take heart from their strong home record in the competition, but they’ll need a significant turnaround to overturn the two-goal deficit.
For Bodo/Glimt, the victory adds another chapter to their remarkable European campaign. Having already dispatched Olympiacos in the round of 16, the Norwegian side is proving they belong among Europe’s elite. As they head to the Stadio Olimpico next week, they carry not just a lead but the belief they can make history.