For the Norwegian side, playing matches during the winter period, especially on home soil, is quite a challenge. They face both a lack of full match fitness and the harsh cold. On Thursday, the weather forecast suggests -5°C. However, this will also be a difficult test for the players of Maccabi Tel Aviv. Who will endure it better?
In terms of match fitness, the recently crowned Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt played two friendly matches in January: against Fortuna Düsseldorf (2:3) and Sparta Prague (0:3). Notably, all goals against the Germans came in the first half, with the Norwegians taking an easy 2:0 lead, including a goal from the penalty spot. Against Sparta, the final two goals conceded came after a series of substitutions.
Maccabi Tel Aviv, thanks to the warm climate, have been able to continue playing in their domestic league without interruption. However, in January, they dropped 4 out of a possible 12 points. A draw with leaders Hapoel Be'er Sheva makes sense, as their opponents were already one point ahead, and the match was not played in the capital, ending 2:2. The draw against Ironi Kiryat Shmona (2:2) was more frustrating, as the hosts equalised in the 90th minute. On the bright side for the Israelis is their consistent match practice. They have already played five competitive matches in January, while the Norwegians have had only two friendlies.
The intensity of competition for Bodø/Glimt was clearly not the same as in regular season games. The hosts are accustomed to the cold, which could be an advantage, but a lack of match sharpness will not allow them to win by more than a single goal.
