Football champions league: bodo/glimt coach targets control against union saint-gilloise

Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt faces Union Saint-Gilloise in a high-stakes Champions League qualifier on Tuesday at 20:00, a clash that promises intensity and tactical battles. Last season, the Norwegian outfit delivered stunning performances, including victories against Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in the group stage.

The Union enters as Belgium’s second-best team alongside Club Bruges, having built a reputation for integrating young talent and developing them into valuable assets. Their ability to adapt and evolve has made them a formidable opponent, though they remain far from the global elite in terms of squad depth.

Knutsen confident in Bodo/Glimt’s game plan

In a nearly empty press room at KVDO Arena in Ostend, head coach Kjetil Knutsen outlined his team’s approach ahead of the encounter. “Union Saint-Gilloise is a strong side that plays physically and directly,” he remarked. “We recognize their strengths and vulnerabilities, but we also have our own identity to protect.”

The Norwegian tactician emphasized his team’s intent to dictate proceedings rather than cede control. “Our strategy remains consistent—we play attacking football both home and away. We won’t settle for defending for 95 minutes,” Knutsen stressed.

History hints at a tight contest

The two sides met previously in October 2024 during the Europa League group stage, ending in a 0-0 draw at Brussels’ King Baudouin Stadium. Knutsen, who has led Bodo/Glimt since early 2018, acknowledged the familiarity but noted significant changes in Union’s squad since then.

“They still have a few players from that match, but their structure has evolved,” he explained. “They excel at integrating new players, nurturing talent, and selling them at a profit—much like our own philosophy. While neither club sits at the top of European football, both have grown over the years. In Belgium, they stand among the elite alongside Club Bruges, and their progress is impressive.”

By Claire Mvondo — Security and State Policy Expert