Bodo/Glimt’s head coach, Kjetil Knutsen, has set a clear objective for his team ahead of tonight’s Champions League qualifier against Union Saint-Gilloise: “We must control the game.” Speaking in the nearly empty press area of KVDO Arena in Ostende, the Norwegian tactician outlined his strategy against a side he described as physically and directly aggressive.
“We recognize their strengths, but we also understand their weaknesses,” Knutsen explained. “Our team has a strong identity, and we enter every match with a clear plan. Whether at home or away, we play offensively—there’s no room for 95 minutes of defensive football.”
Union’s evolution since last meeting
This isn’t the first time the two sides have faced off. In October 2024, during the Europa League group stage, their encounter at Brussels’ King Baudouin Stadium ended in a 0-0 draw. Knutsen, who has led Bodo/Glimt since early 2018, recalled that match but emphasized how much Union has changed since then.
“A few players remain from that time, but the club itself has transformed,” he noted. “Their model—recruiting, developing, and selling talent at a profit—remains intact. Like us, they aren’t one of Europe’s giants, but they’ve grown significantly. In Belgium, they’re now among the top two teams, alongside Club Bruges, and they’re doing exceptional work.”
Norway’s rising force faces a Belgian powerhouse
Bodo/Glimt arrives in Ostende with momentum, fresh off victories against elite clubs like Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in last season’s group phase. Their attacking style, combined with Union’s structured yet fluid approach, promises a tactical battle.
The Norwegian side’s emphasis on high pressing and quick transitions could test Union’s defensive resilience, while the Belgians’ ability to absorb pressure and exploit counterattacks may force Knutsen’s men into unfamiliar territory. With both teams prioritizing offensive play, fans can expect a high-tempo, end-to-end encounter.
