From the Arctic Circle to Basque country, the Superlaget have started to dream. With a population slightly north of 50,000, no one expected sudden European supremacy to take place.
Bodø/Glimt’s rise re-began in 2019 after they were promoted back to the Norwegian first division after spending one season in the second. After spending much of their history bouncing between leagues, they’ve found a favourite home in the Eliteserian (the first division of Norwegian football). A mere 35 years ago, Bodø was relegated to the 3rd division, and the club said never again. Now, in 2025, they’re staring down the barrel of history.
In the opening stages of Europe’s second largest competition, Lazio was seen as a firm favourite. With upcoming stars shining in previous matches, such as Guendouzi and Isaksen, mixed with experienced veteran – Pedro – the travelling fans wouldn’t have guessed their side would’ve been seriously outplayed in the quarters. The home side claimed a 2-0 victory and will head to the Italian capital, spurred on by the firm belief that they can make it all the way.
They began their European campaign with an impressive 3-2 win over Porto, who were also considered possible victors. After missing out on automatic round of 16 qualification, coming 9th in the table, Bodø faced fellow Scandinavian based club, Twente, in the knockout phase play-offs. They were defeated 2-1 in the first leg away from home but came out victorious on home soil in the second. 5-2 on the night, 6-4 on aggregate to send Twente packing. The round of 16 saw them victorious, winning 4-2 on aggregate against Olympiacos and had Europe slowly paying more attention.
Local born midfielder, Jens Petter Hauge, has been revolutionary this season for the boys in yellow. Of the 13 Europa League matches so far, he has two goals and three assists – and has shown up in the vital moments.
After moving away to AC Milan and Eintracht Frankfurt, the 25-year-old returned home and hoped to push his boyhood club to victory. Teaming up with Danish teammate Kasper Høgh, the duo has been nothing short of deadly. Unsuspecting and lethal is always the best combination.
Bodø have put together a group of players that are genuinely doing it for the love of the club. Midfielders Ulrik Saltness and Patrick Berg have controlled the midfield throughout the Europa season. Berg, the clubs’ captain, has set the tone. The defensive midfielder has been on a standout run, putting players of serious experience to shame.
With a total transfer market value of 43 million euros, Bodø is proving that money doesn’t always run football. Anyone can compete for glory, no matter the status or league—if the desire is there, success is possible.
The boys from Bodø can no longer be ignored. They’ve sent a notice to the remaining teams, and it’s been more than received. Remain strong, keep Lazio at bay, and they’re in the semi-finals. They are two games away from writing history for themselves. Thursday night can’t come quickly enough. Nothing beats a true underdog triumph; if they get it their way, no one will beat Bodø.
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