Atletico Madrid – Bodo/Glimt

Maggie Thatcher, can you here me? Your boys took a hell of a beating! Bjørge Lillelien's famous trumpeting after Norway put England in the World Cup qualifiers in -81 has been made timeless forever, and indeed one could not drag a quote out of oblivion last week. Bodø/Glimt beat Manchester City 3-1 at Aspmyra in a decisive football match in this year's edition of the Champions League. Between snow showers and poorly plowed streets in Bodø, the yellow-clad team shocked the entire football world. Mighty Manchester City with all its stars was played to the score, and Jens Petter Hauge's goal in particular made Pep watch Doku twice. "Why don't you do this?!" Well, there are not many who can match Hauge's performance, and there are not many who can make Manchester City look like a completely mediocre League One team. All credit to the Viking from the north, and with that the fairy tale lives on in full swing.

The yellows travel down to Madrid for their last effort in this year's Champions League. The reds and whites are waiting, and everything is at stake. With a win, the home team will be a good candidate to be among the top eight, while the visitors must win to be among the top 24 teams – which gives qualification for further existence. Can you win at the mighty Metropolitano then? Bigger miracles have happened before. As of now, there is no Goliath that is too big for David from the north.

Bodø/Glimt – The team that shocked the world

Because it was a real blow last week. Haaland didn't score, while the home team was more accurate than ever. The transitions were toxic, and the guest couldn't figure out the Bodø team's tactics. It was fascinating to see how they found space behind the opponent's lines time and time again, and questioned Pep's chosen ones. The victory was ultimately fully deserved, and in addition, Rodri had to scurry into the dressing room after two yellow cards in two minutes after just over an hour. Are we to assume that the heating was turned off in the away dressing room this evening?

In Madrid, B/G must win the game. It's that simple. They have collected six points in seven games, but behind the numbers we also have a story. Narrow losses against big teams, and only margins away from a completely different situation. They haven't made themselves at home on the biggest stage – let alone.

The Norwegians must try more of what brought down Manchester City in Bodø. They must resist, and counter-attack as soon as the opportunity arises. The team's strengths lie in this, quick turnovers, quick counterattacks, and deep runs from the middle and the back pair. If they succeed in this, Atletico will also get to know what lives in the team from cold Norway. With the form Hauge showed last week, it will not surprise anyone if he sticks the ball in the crossbar again. It is worth noting that, atypically, Atletico has conceded 13 goals in its seven matches. An average of almost two against is unusual in the yard, and opens the door for Bodø/Glimt's possibilities. The 0-4 loss to Arsenal in particular will probably be shown to the player group before the match starts. The home team also has clear weaknesses.

Atletico Madrid – Unusually unstable despite good position

Because you get away with more now than you've become known for. Ring fox Diego Simeone is widely known for his defensive structures, and it probably bothers a detail-oriented gentleman like the Argentine after all that you can't lock down the games. An open affair against an attack-minded Bodø/Glimt is probably in no way desirable.

But we can't let this be a Norway-twisted analysis either. Because let it be said, B/G meets in Atletico one of the world's best football teams. A significantly better squad, a very experienced coach, and a stadium that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. If there is an ultimate test in this Champions League adventure for the Bodø-based team, it is this one. The home team is already guaranteed qualification, and can therefore play their best football in the hope of grabbing a direct place in the playoffs. This carrot is really big and juicy, though, so they will probably try their best to achieve that feat.

Griezmann is unavailable due to injury, which opens up the possibility for Sørloth. Haaland last week, Sørloth this. The Norwegian spearheads will really get to try their hand against Norway's best football team in recent years. In addition to the player from Trøndelag, there are Alvarez, Simeone and Almada to deal with. Their qualities are indisputable. In the middle, you will meet a new Rodri in the form of Koke. It will not be any easier for the guests this midweek.

The home team is 16-13 in the score after the first seven rounds. If we combine this with B/G's result, we get another goal-rich battle. The guest will have to try, and with that the home team can get a lot of space as the match progresses. There is a lot that is in place for a spectacular match this Wednesday.

Conclusion – When you are forced to attack

When the opponent knows that the team on the other side of the halfway line simply has to attack at some point, they also know that opportunities for their own chances will arise. Of course, the bookmakers also know this. The odds of a goal-scoring match are insanely low.

What does give us some leeway, however, is whether the visitors score or not. Assuming they do, the numbers improve considerably. Given all the goals Atletico have conceded in this year's tournament, it wouldn't be particularly surprising if the Vikings also score goals. Yes, you can get goosebumps just thinking about the Metropolitano, but at the moment I think you've hit the right level of excitement. You have nothing to lose, no one expects anything here, and you can basically go out onto the pitch with your shoulders down. Anything other than a loss is a bonus, and if you get one first, we know the other can come soon after. The attacking threats of the visitors should not be underestimated.

It will probably be a game for the hosts too. Regardless of who kicks the first ball, the match will go on until the referee blows the whistle. There will be many attacks, and the finishing will be the same. This is a match where both teams have strong reasons to go up and forward, both for continued existence, but also to hunt safe ground among the top eight. The total will most likely be a feast for the eyes, and just more of what makes us love this sport.

In the 2000 European Championship, Norway beat Spain 1-0, after a goal by Steffen Iversen. In January 2026, Bodø/Glimt and Atletico Madrid will meet – and who dares to guarantee that David won't shake Goliath again? Everything is at stake in the Spanish capital in the Champions League's final round of the regular season.

Europe at 21:00: Atletico Madrid – Bodø/Glimt: Over 2.5 goals + Both teams to score (1.89)

Alternative game

Europe at 21:00: Atletico Madrid – Bodø/Glimt: Over 3.5 goals (1.80)

Europe at 21:00: Atletico Madrid – Bodø/Glimt: Over 10.5 corners (2.00)