The second leg of the 2025/26 Champions League qualification playoff between Sturm (Austria) and Bodø/Glimt (Norway) will take place on August 26 at the Wörthersee Stadion in Klagenfurt. The first leg ended 5-0 in favor of Bodø/Glimt. Sturm vs. Bodø/Glimt: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Sturm
For the Austrians, this Champions League campaign is likely coming to an end. Jürgen Seumel's side suffered a surprising 0-5 defeat in Norway. To advance to the main round of this European competition, the team needs to win by at least six goals. Interestingly, this was the second consecutive away defeat for Sturm with such a result in this tournament. The club has also lost seven of their last nine Champions League matches.
- At least one team failed to score in regular time in 7 of the last 8 matches involving the Austrians in this tournament.
- Sturm conceded first in 7 of their last 9 Champions League encounters.
- No more than two goals were scored in 90 minutes in the club's last four home matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Sturm (4-3-3)
Oliver Christensen – Max Johnston, Tim Erman, Dimitri Lavalee, Emir Karic – Jon Gorenc-Stankovic, Tomic Horvat, Tochi Chukwuani – Otar Kiteishvili, Leon Grgic, William Boving.
Bodø/Glimt
Kjetil Knutsen's side has almost secured their place in the next stage of the Champions League. In the return leg, the team can afford to lose by four goals. If a sensation occurs and the Norwegians lose by exactly five goals, extra time will be played. Notably, Bodø/Glimt has won 6 of their last 7 matches in this tournament.
- At least three goals were scored in regular time in 6 of the last 8 matches involving the Scandinavians in the Champions League.
- Bodø/Glimt has remained unbeaten in 10 of their last 12 matches in this European competition (9 wins and 1 draw).
- The club has not won in regular time in 6 of their last 8 away matches in the Champions League (1 draw and 5 losses).
Predicted lineup for Bodø/Glimt (4-3-3)
Nikita Haikin – Fredrik Sjøvold, Haitam Aleesami, Fredrik Bjørkan, Odin Bjørtoft – Patrick Berg, Ulrik Saltnes, Håkon Evjen – Isak Dybvik Määttä, Kasper Høgh, Jens Petter Hauge.
Referee
Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Matches – 12 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 43;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 42%.
Sturm vs. Bodø/Glimt: Match Prediction
The Norwegians have already secured their long-awaited entry into the autumn stage of the Champions League in the first leg. Previously, this club had never reached the main stage of this European competition. Judging by the Scandinavians' results, they are likely to trouble Sturm's goalkeeper again in the second match. Moreover, the Norwegians have scored in 4 of their last 5 away Champions League matches. However, it's worth noting that Bodø/Glimt has conceded in 7 of their last 8 away matches in this tournament.
Sturm played in the group stage of the Champions League last season, but this time they were not prepared for the level of the strongest European competition, as they conceded five goals in their first match. Interestingly, at least five goals were scored in 3 of the last 4 matches involving the Austrians in this tournament. I expect the hosts to aim for a quick goal to stage a comeback, so I anticipate high scoring from Sturm. However, the Austrians are also likely to concede, as they have in 9 of their last 11 matches in the Champions League.
My prediction: Total over 3 goals
