Saltnes Revealed as Bodo/Glimt Shock Lazio in Quarter-Final First Leg

Bodo/Glimt have significantly bolstered their chances of becoming the first Norwegian side to reach a European semi-final after defeating former Cup Winners’ Cup champions Lazio 2-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final. This loss marks only Lazio’s second defeat away from home in eight matches.

Drawing from their confidence acquired from a remarkable 27 victories in their last 33 European home fixtures, Bodo/Glimt nearly secured an ideal beginning at the Aspmyra Stadion. Jens Petter Hauge surged into the Lazio penalty area but found his shot expertly tipped wide by Christos Mandas.

Next up to challenge the visiting goalkeeper was Patrick Berg, while Hauge remained persistent in his attempts during an opening 15 minutes that undoubtedly favoured the home team.

Just after the half-hour mark, Bodo/Glimt created another significant opportunity when Ulrik Saltnes laid the ball off to Ole Didrik Blomberg right in front of goal, but he misfired, sending his shot wide.

Lazio finally had a tangible scoring chance in the 38th minute, when a deep corner to the far post found Adam Marusic, but his header was dealt with by Nikita Khaikin. Just before half-time, normal service resumed as Berg swept a shot over the bar.

Despite the frustration of not converting their dominance into goals, Bodo/Glimt finally found the net just 66 seconds into the second half.

Hakon Evjen embarked on a powerful run and located Hauge, whose squared ball found Blomberg. He in turn set up Saltnes, who finished with precision.

Kjetil Knutsen’s men could have cemented their lead by the hour mark, but both a Saltnes header and another effort from Hauge went astray from promising positions.

The Lazio squad struggled as the snow fell within the Arctic Circle, with their only clear opportunity being a long-range shot from Matias Vecino that sailed over the bar as they searched for an equaliser.

Considering that the last 12 European matches played in Bodo had averaged 4.5 goals, there was plenty of reason to anticipate another goal. With just over 20 minutes remaining, Bodo/Glimt extended their advantage.

Hauge delivered a deft pass to Saltnes, who lifted the ball over the advancing Mandas, allowing it to cross the line just in time before Alessio Romagnoli could clear it.

Mandas played a crucial role in denying Saltnes a hat-trick with a late save, but Marco Baroni’s side will be eager to ensure their unbeaten home run in the UEL this season continues in the second leg next Thursday at Stadio Olimpico.

Nonetheless, they will need to bear in mind Bodo/Glimt’s impressive record of seven wins in their last nine two-legged encounters, providing a clear advantage to the hosts after a riveting display of resilience.