The Matchday 1 clash of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage between Slavia Prague (Czech Republic) and Bodø/Glimt (Norway) will take place on September 17 at Eden Arena. Slavia Prague vs. Bodø/Glimt: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Slavia Prague
The Czech champions earned a direct spot in the Champions League group stage. This marks the third time in their history that the team has reached the main stage, but they have never advanced to the playoffs in previous attempts. Last season, Slavia failed to pass the final qualifying round for the Champions League and ended up in the Europa League. However, Jindřich Trpišovský's side did not achieve success there: after winning their first match, the Czechs failed to win any of their next seven games (2 draws, 5 losses), finishing in 30th place.
- The team has conceded goals in 5 of their last 7 Champions League matches.
- Slavia has not lost in 10 of their last 13 home matches in the Champions League, securing 5 victories.
- The Prague side opened the scoring in 4 of their last 5 matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Slavia Prague (4-3-3)
Jindřich Staněk – Štěpán Chaloupek, Tomáš Holeš, David Douděra, David Zima – Oscar Dorley, David Moses, Michal Sadílek – Lukáš Provod, Mojmír Chytil, Vasil Kušej.
Defenders Jan Bořil and Igo Ogbu are injured.
Bodø/Glimt
After winning the Norwegian championship, Kjetil Knutsen's side began their Champions League journey in the playoffs, where they overcame Sturm Graz (5-0, 1-2). This marks the team's first-ever appearance in the main stage of this tournament, with Norwegian clubs not reaching this stage since the 2007/08 season. On the international stage, Bodø/Glimt has already made a mark. In the previous Europa League campaign, the team reached the semifinals, losing to the eventual champions. Notably, no other team from this Scandinavian country had reached the semifinals of a UEFA tournament before. Additionally, Bodø/Glimt won 6 of their last 8 Champions League matches (2 losses).
- At least 3 goals have been scored in 7 of Bodø/Glimt's last 9 Champions League games.
- The club has conceded exactly 1 or 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 away matches in this tournament.
- Away in the Champions League, the team has not won in 7 of their last 9 matches (1 draw, 6 losses).
Predicted lineup for Bodø/Glimt (4-3-3)
Nikita Haikin – Fredrik Sjøvold, Villads Nielsen, Jostein Gunnersen, Odin Bjørtuft – Patrick Berg, Mikkel Bro Hansen, Håkon Evjen – Mathias Jørgensen, Ola Brynhildsen, Jens Petter Hauge.
Injured players include defenders Brede Moe, Fredrik Bjørkan, midfielder Ulrik Saltnes, forwards Ole Blomberg, Kasper Høgh, and Isak Määttä.
Referee
Marian Barbu (Romania)
Matches – 13 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 43;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 31%.
Slavia Prague vs. Bodø/Glimt: Match Prediction
In the last Europa League campaign, Slavia struggled even at home, but they managed to score in all four home matches. However, they conceded at least two goals in only one home game under Jindřich Trpišovský. A similar situation is present in the Champions League. Slavia tends to play attacking football in all competitions.
The Norwegians have already demonstrated their attacking prowess in this Champions League, thrashing Sturm Graz. The team has shown good scoring ability last season, scoring in 13 of 16 Europa League matches. However, their commitment to attacking football has negatively impacted their defense. In the 2024/25 Europa League, Bodø/Glimt kept only three clean sheets. In the Champions League, the club also regularly concedes, managing to keep a clean sheet in only one of their last 9 away matches.
Two teams that spend a lot of time on the attack should deliver a high-scoring game. My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
