Now that Bodø/Glimt have won the quarter-finals of the Europa League and are one of the last four, it is fitting to say that Lazio is a fantastic team. on behalf of the whole of Norway wanted to take home.
The fact that Bodø/Glimt as the first Norwegian team has advanced to the semi-finals of the Europa League is clearly a bummer, but at the same time it is completely natural.
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In the semi-finals we face Tottenham, I don’t think anyone in North London is sure of victory. – Any analysis of Bodø/Glimt must conclude that head coach Kjetil Knutsen has made “normal people” do abnormally good things! Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations. It is well deserved!.
Bodø/Glimt had a 2-0 lead to go with before Thursday night’s second leg against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico. But it was a lead that the Italians managed to take back.
Once the comeback was underway, it only took 21 minutes for Valentín Castellanos to score. Then the Norwegians defended tooth and nail, and it was only in extra time – in the 93rd minute – that Tijjani Noslin equalized.
2-2 on aggregate and the double match went into overtime.
There, the Italians were the most energetic in the first place. The clock had ticked to 100 when Boulaye Dia scored what looked to be the decisive goal. But Bodø/Glimt equalized in the second extra quarter through Andreas Helmersen.
3-1 in the game and 3-3 on aggregate, so it went to a penalty. There, the Norwegians drew the longest straw. Lazio missed three of their penalties and when Valentin Castellanos shot from eleven yards in the fifth round, the giant scream was complete (2-3 in the penalty shootout).
Head coach Kjetil Knutsen is overjoyed in a conversation with Viaplay after the game: “The fact that we are back in the game is touching. We show a huge character coming back and deciding this”
Bodø/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Haikin was a big hero in the penalty shootout.
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- It’s crazy! I couldn’t be happier. This means a lot for all of Norway. For Bodø. For my family. It’s huge. On a historic evening, he rejoices in the same broadcast.
Bodø/Glimt thus beat Lazio on penalties and thus advance to the semi-finals of the Europa League. Tottenham will provide the opposition.
After missed chances, sour back-to-back goals, extra time, dashed hope, renewed hope and a red card: In the end, everything had to be decided on penalties. “The fact that we are coming back in this game is touching”
It was a roller coaster.
After Roma, it is now also Lazio who are saying goodbye to the Europa League. It was Bodø/Glimt who dramatically secured their place in the semi-finals after an incredible game that ended 3-1 after extra time, before the Norwegians won 3-2 on penalties. Tchaouna, Noslin and Castellanos were the Lazio losers from the penalty spot.
First half: Glimpses create chances, Lazio strikes
The game started with early pressure from Bodø/Glimt. Already after the 1st minute, Mandas in the Lazio goal had to save a low shot from Evjen. Four minutes later, it was Bjørkan who was dangerous, but Marušić saved on the line.
Lazio gradually grew into the game. Pedro tested goalkeeper Haikin after 18 minutes, and Zaccagni missed an open goal. But after 21 minutes, the breakthrough finally came – Castellanos made it 1-0 after a great individual performance. Lazio pushed to expand, and Zaccagni hit the crossbar just before half-time.
Second half: Lazio dominate – but Glimt hold their own
Lazio increased the pressure after half-time, and Castellanos had a golden girl to make it 2-0, but fell just as he was about to shoot. Mandas had to save a dangerous situation against Høgh after 61 minutes, and Zaccagni tested Haikin on a free kick.
But in overtime, the decisive thing happened:
- In the 91st minute, Hauge created a goal chance for Helmersen, who missed from close range.
- Two minutes later, after a corner, Noslin made it 2-0 and forced extra time.
Extra time: Lazio takes the lead – but Glimt fights back
In the first extra time, Lazio took a 3-0 lead after Guendouzi sent a precise cross to Dia, who put the ball into the goal. But the jubilation was short-lived – in the second extra time, Helmersen equalized, who took revenge for his earlier miss.
Helmersen later received a red card for two yellows, but the game went to penalties.
Penalty Drama: Glimt Makes History
The penalty shootout was a nerve-wracking affair:
- Hauge (Bodø/Glimt) missed first.
- Dia (Lazio) scored.
- Tchaouna and Noslin (Lazio) missed.
- Baroni, Fet, Sørli and Moe (Bodø/Glimt) scored.
- Guendouzi (Lazio) kept his hopes alive.
- Berg (Bodø/Glimt) missed a possible victory penalty.
- Castellanos (Lazio) missed – and sent Bodø/Glimt to the semi-finals!
Thus, Bodø/Glimt make history as the first Norwegian team ever in a European semi-final.
