Kjetil Knutsen, the Norwegian head coach of Bodo/Glimt, entered the largely empty press room of the KVDO Arena in Ostend on Monday with a clear objective in mind. “We’re facing a very strong opponent,” he stated, emphasizing the challenge ahead. “Their playing style is physical and direct. We’ve studied their strengths and weaknesses, but we also have our own identity to uphold. Our strategy is solid, and we aim to control the match. Offensively, we always push forward, whether at home or away—there’s no plan to sit back for 95 minutes.”
Facing a familiar yet evolved opponent
The clash between Union Saint-Gilloise and Bodo/Glimt is not new. The two teams met once before, in October 2024, during the group stage of the Europa League. That encounter ended in a 0-0 draw at the Roi Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. Knutsen, who has led the Norwegian side since early 2018, recalled the match but pointed out how Union has since transformed. “A few players from that time remain, but the team has evolved. Their approach—integrating young talent, nurturing them, and selling them for a profit—remains consistent. Like us, they’re not the biggest club in the world, yet they’ve grown over the years. In Belgium, they’re one of the top two teams, alongside Club Bruges, and they’re doing exceptional work.”
Champions League ambitions in sharp focus
The upcoming fixture marks the third qualifying round of the Champions League, where Bodo/Glimt will look to assert their dominance early. Last season, the Norwegian side made headlines by defeating Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in the group stage, proving their ability to compete against Europe’s elite. For Union Saint-Gilloise, this match represents another opportunity to showcase their progress on the continental stage. Both teams enter the game with something to prove, but Knutsen’s side is determined to dictate the tempo from the start.