Bodø/Glimt Thrash Sturm Graz 5-0 in Champions League Qualifier

Glimt One step away from UCL main draw after 5-0 win

Bodø/Glimt edged closer to the Champions League main draw with a 5-0 thrashing of Sturm Graz. Sturm Graz puts the Austrian side in a tough spot ahead of the second leg. Read more about the match.

Bodø/Glimt took a significant step towards qualifying for the UEFA Champions League main draw with a convincing 5-0 victory over Sturm Graz. The Norwegian side's clinical display within the Arctic Circle puts them on the brink of a historic achievement.

Early in the match, Bodø/Glimt's pressure paid off when a slip by Haitam Aleesami nearly led to a goal-scoring opportunity for William Boving, who broke through the defense. Fortunately for the visitors, Aleesami's error didn't result in a goal, and Sturm Graz was able to survive the scare.

 

Abpfiff in Bodø. 🌧️ #sturmgraz #BODSTU #UCL
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BOD 5:0 STU |⏱️FT pic.twitter.com/SmydOFuKbq

— SK Sturm Graz (@SKSturm) August 20, 2025

The visitors' threat was momentarily alleviated when Nikita Haikin made a crucial save, tipping a close-range effort behind. However, Bodø/Glimt took the lead shortly after when Kasper Hogh cleverly chipped the ball over Sturm goalkeeper Oliver Christensen, scoring his sixth goal in four games.

The Austrians found themselves 2-0 down soon after, as Patrick Berg delivered a precise corner that Odin Bjortuft headed in. Christensen was likely disappointed with the way the ball slipped through his legs, allowing Glimt to double their lead.

After conceding the first goal, Sturm Graz began to find their footing in the match. Tomi Horvat had a promising opportunity, hitting the crossbar, but Bodø/Glimt quickly regained control. Just before the 30-minute mark, Glimt extended their lead to 3-0. Jens Petter Hauge, who had assisted the opening goal, delivered another pinpoint pass, this time finding Ulrik Saltnes, who slammed the ball past the goalkeeper at the near post.

Before halftime, Jens Petter Hauge and Fredrik André Bjorkan created additional threats for Sturm Graz, potentially worsening their night. However, Bodø/Glimt's celebrations were tempered by injuries to Haitam Aleesami and Isak Dybvik Maatta, both of whom were forced to leave the match due to their injuries.

Sturm Graz's struggles continued after halftime, as head coach Jürgen Säumel opted not to make any substitutions during the break. The team continued to find it challenging to cope with Bodø/Glimt's pressure. In the 54th minute, they conceded again when Jens Petter Hauge's clever play set up Fredrik André Bjorkan on the overlap. Bjorkan's cross was deflected off Dimitri Lavalée and Hajon Evjen, finding its way into the net.

Bodø/Glimt sealed their dominance with a fifth goal, courtesy of Jens Petter Hauge's cutback that ricocheted off William Boving and into the net. If they progress to the Champions League league phase, Glimt could become one of the most exciting teams to watch. In their last seven games, including this one, five have featured at least four goals, showcasing their attacking prowess.

Sturm Graz now face a daunting task, needing a remarkable turnaround in the second leg next Tuesday to salvage their Champions League hopes. The Austrian side are staring at the prospect of an agonizing exit from the competition unless they can produce a dramatic comeback.