Bodø/Glimt, the Norwegian champions, are poised to rewrite their European story as they chase a return to the Champions League elite stage after a remarkable run that took them to the round of 16 last season.
Playoff Landscape
To achieve that goal, the club must first navigate a two‑legged playoff, beginning with a home tie against Union Saint‑Gilloise on Tuesday, a match that could set up a clash with either Olympiakos of Greece or NEC Nijmegen from the Netherlands.
Their recent pedigree is impressive: just months ago Bodø/Glimt eliminated Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan in a historic double‑header, culminating in a surprise appearance in the Champions League round of 16.
Past Triumphs
The Norwegian side’s journey from domestic dominance to continental contention highlights the unpredictable nature of modern European competition, where underdogs can reshape the tournament’s narrative.
Rivals and Routes
The winner of the tie between Fenerbahce and Sturm Graz will later meet either Sparta Prague or Lyon in the playoffs, while Celtic has been paired with Austria’s LASK in a separate qualifying section, adding further intrigue to the draw.
First‑leg fixtures are scheduled for August 18 or 19, with return games following exactly one week later, compressing the drama into a tight window for coaches and fans alike.
Geopolitical Context
Israeli teams, including Hapoel Beer‑Sheva, are forced to play home matches in neutral venues due to security concerns that have persisted since the October 2023 conflict with Hamas, a factor that may influence the dynamics of their ties.
Dinamo Zagreb or Lithuania’s Kauno Zalgiris are battling for a spot that would pit them against Norway’s Viking — a team that captured the domestic title last year — in the next round of playoffs.
The Main Phase Draw
With seven teams advancing to the 36‑team main phase, the upcoming draw in Monaco on August 27 will determine the group stage composition, underscoring the growing importance of early qualifying rounds in shaping the continental landscape.