Bodo/Glimt made history by becoming the first men’s club from Norway to reach a European semi-final after a tense penalty shootout win against Lazio in the Europa League. The tie finished 3-3 on aggregate, but the visitors triumphed 3-2 on penalties after a gripping second leg in Rome.
Their reward is a semi-final clash with Tottenham, with the first leg scheduled in London on 1 May and the return fixture in Bodø on 8 May.
Late Lazio surge sends tie to extra time
Trailing by two goals from the first leg, Lazio responded with intensity at the Stadio Olimpico. Their breakthrough came midway through the first half when Valentin Castellanos converted a clever backheel finish, assisted by Gustav Isaksen’s precise cutback.
The Italian side continued to press and eventually drew level on aggregate deep into stoppage time. Tijjani Noslin capitalized on a goalmouth scramble to knock the ball in from a corner, giving the hosts renewed belief going into extra time.
Momentum stayed with Lazio as substitute Boulaye Dia made it 3-0 on the night, heading in from Matteo Guendouzi’s cross to give the home side the advantage in the tie for the first time.
Helmersen strikes before shootout drama unfolds
Bodo/Glimt, however, refused to surrender. Andreas Helmersen equalized with a powerful header in the second half of extra time after connecting with Sondre Brunstad Fet’s delivery. But the forward’s night ended on a sour note when he received a second yellow card just before the final whistle, ruling him out of the shootout.
The penalties began with Jens Petter Hauge’s attempt being saved, while Dia put Lazio in front. But two misses from Loum Tchaouna and Noslin, coupled with successful efforts from Fet and Sondre Sorli, handed the edge back to the visitors.
Patrick Berg missed a chance to seal the win after both teams scored their fourth penalties, but Nikita Haikin denied Castellanos moments later to clinch a 3-2 shootout victory and send Bodo/Glimt into the last four.
