EUROPA LEAGUE-Saltnes Shines as Bodo/Glimt Stun Lazio Quarter-Final first leg

Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt achieved a stunning 2-0 victory over Lazio. This match was the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final. It took place under freezing conditions north of the Arctic Circle.

Volunteers cleared heavy snowfall from the pitch just hours before kick-off. Bodo/Glimt took full advantage of their home setting.

Ulrik Saltnes scored the first goal just two minutes into the second half. He reacted quickly to poke the ball in from close range. Saltnes then doubled the lead in the 69th minute with a lob over goalkeeper Christos Mandas. Jens Petter Hauge assisted him with a delicate chipped pass.

Saltnes nearly completed his hat-trick in the 83rd minute. However, Mandas denied him when he was clean through on goal. The Lazio goalkeeper made another superb save deep into stoppage time, stopping Odin Bjortuft’s powerful volley.

Despite being group toppers and aiming for their first major semi-final since 2002–03, Lazio struggled against Bodo/Glimt. The Norwegian team displayed energy, precision, and belief throughout the match.

This is only Bodo/Glimt's second appearance in a European quarter-final. They will travel to Rome for the second leg next Thursday with a crucial two-goal lead.