By IDNN Sports Desk/Published: April 18, 2025
Norway Has Arrived: Bodo/Glimt Make Football History in Rome
In one of the most dramatic European nights in recent memory, Bodo/Glimt stunned SS Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, losing 3-1 after extra time but triumphing 3-2 on penalties to become the first Norwegian team to ever reach a European semi-final.
Despite the hostile atmosphere, an early red card, and a two-goal aggregate collapse, the underdogs from Bodø stood tall — writing their names into football folklore with nerves of steel and hearts of champions.
Lazio Dominate, Bodo Survive
From kickoff, Bodo showed they had no plans to sit back. Hakon Evjen tested Lazio keeper Christos Mandas in the opening minute. But Lazio’s pressure mounted, and in the 23rd minute, Gustav Isaksen teed up Taty Castellanos, whose slick backheel flick halved the aggregate deficit.
By halftime, Lazio looked the likelier side, as Mattia Zaccagni’s header clipped the bar and Mandas denied Berg’s free-kick.
The second half was more of the same. Bodo keeper Nikita Haikin was in inspired form, saving from Pedro, Zaccagni, and Castellanos in quick succession.
Then came the equalizer in stoppage time — Tijjani Noslin tapped in after a chaotic scramble in the box. Extra time beckoned.
Helmersen Heroics, Red Card, and Pure Chaos
The Stadio Olimpico erupted when Matteo Guendouzi found Boulaye Dia, who nodded Lazio ahead 4-3 on aggregate in the 100th minute.
But Bodo didn’t fold. Incredibly, Andreas Helmersen rose highest to level on aggregate, stunning the crowd with a powerful header in the second half of extra time. Moments later, he was sent off after a reckless challenge — and would miss the shootout.
The Shootout: Haikin Stands Tall, History Is Written
The penalty drama unfolded with heartbreak and glory:
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Hauge’s opener was saved by Mandas.
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Dia scored, but Tchaouna and Castellanos both missed for Lazio.
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Bodo converted 3 of their next 4, with Berg missing the first chance to win it…
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But after Castellanos blasted wide, Norway erupted in celebration.
Bodo/Glimt had done it — defied logic, odds, and expectation — and made it to the final four.
Post-Match Reactions
“It’s more than football — it’s history for Norway.”
— Kjetil Knutsen, Bodo/Glimt Manager
“We didn’t just make it through. We made history.”
— Patrick Berg, Bodo Captain
“Haikin was unstoppable. You can’t argue with courage like that.”
— Maurizio Sarri, Lazio Coach
📊 Key Match Stats
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🔥 First Norwegian club to reach a European semi-final
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🧤 Haikin: 6 crucial saves + 1 penalty stop
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⚽ Helmersen scored and got sent off in the same 10-minute stretch
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🎯 Bodo scored 3 of their final 4 penalties
What’s Next?
Bodo/Glimt will now face Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. From the Arctic Circle to the grand stages of Europe — their fairytale journey is far from over.
