Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt have put themselves in a commanding position to make history, defeating Italian giants Lazio 2-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final clash at the Aspmyra Stadion on Thursday evening. The Arctic Circle provided a chilly backdrop as the Superlaget delivered a performance full of energy and attacking intent, leaving the former Cup Winners� Cup holders with a mountain to climb in the return leg.
Despite Lazio boasting a strong away record in Europe this season, Bodo/Glimt, buoyed by an impressive home form that has seen them win 27 of their last 33 European matches, started brightly. Jens Petter Hauge was a constant menace in the opening exchanges, his weaving run forcing a smart save from Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas early on. Patrick Berg also tested the keeper, while Hauge continued to probe the Lazio defense in a dominant opening quarter of an hour for the hosts.
The home side continued to create chances, with Ulrik Saltnes squaring the ball to Ole Didrik Blomberg just past the half-hour mark, only for the forward to scuff his shot wide. Lazio finally registered a clear opportunity shortly before halftime when Adam Marusic met a deep corner, but his header was well saved by Nikita Khaikin in the Bodo/Glimt goal. Berg then sent an effort over the bar on the stroke of halftime, leaving the Norwegian side frustrated not to be ahead.
However, Bodo/Glimt�s persistence finally paid off just 66 seconds after the restart. Hakon Evjen�s driving run and square pass found Hauge, who then laid it off to Blomberg. Blomberg�s clever touch found the onrushing Saltnes, who calmly slotted the ball home to give the hosts a deserved lead.
Kjetil Knutsen�s men could have extended their advantage further around the hour mark, but a Saltnes header and another strike from Hauge both missed the target from promising positions.
As snow began to fall, Lazio struggled to find a foothold in the game. A long-range effort from Matias Vecino that sailed over the bar was the extent of their attacking threat while the score remained 1-0.
Given the high-scoring nature of previous European encounters in Bodo, a second goal always felt likely, and with just over 20 minutes remaining, the home side gave themselves crucial breathing space. Hauge�s clipped through ball found Saltnes, who expertly lifted it over the advancing Mandas. Despite Alessio Romagnoli�s desperate attempt to clear, the ball had already crossed the line, sending the Aspmyra Stadion into raptures.
Mandas prevented Saltnes from completing his hat-trick late on, ensuring Lazio still have a glimmer of hope heading into the second leg. Marco Baroni�s side will be relying on their unbeaten home record in the Europa League this season when they welcome Bodo/Glimt to the Stadio Olimpico next Thursday.
However, the statistics are firmly in Bodo/Glimt�s favor, having won seven of their previous nine two-legged European ties. Tonight�s impressive display of attacking football and resolute defense has given them a significant advantage and a real chance of becoming the first Norwegian team to reach a European semi-final. Lazio will need to produce a much-improved performance in Rome to overturn this deficit against a Bodo/Glimt side brimming with confidence.
