With over a month left before the start of the new Norwegian domestic season, Bodø/Glimt face a huge task to keep their European hopes alive. However, against a well-drilled Twente side in excellent form, the hosts will struggle to force extra time.
Even before the first leg in the Netherlands, Bodø/Glimt showed defensive vulnerabilities, conceding five goals in a friendly against Aalborg (3:5). Those weaknesses were evident again in their defeat to Twente (1:2), where the Norwegian side allowed 1.57 xGA from 14 shots while managing just 0.45 xG and six attempts in return. Additionally, Bodø/Glimt is missing four key players due to injuries, which limits their ability to control the game over 90 minutes.
The Dutch side are in excellent form and come into this match on a six-game unbeaten run. Head coach Joseph Oosting rested several key players in their Eredivisie win over RKC Waalwijk (2:0), where Twente still managed 1.70 xG with a rotated squad. Defensively, they are solid, having conceded just three goals in their last six games, and they remain unbeaten in European away matches this season. The only notable absentee is Younes Taha, who has been injured since the start of the campaign.
Bodø/Glimt will push forward aggressively to overturn their one-goal deficit, but their high defensive line will leave them exposed. Given Twente’s ability to control games and exploit spaces, the Dutch side are unlikely to lose in regular time.
