Match Overview and Stakes

The decisive second leg of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League qualification playoff between Sturm (Austria) and Bodø/Glimt (Norway) is scheduled for August 26 at the Wörthersee Stadion in Klagenfurt. Bodø/Glimt currently holds a substantial 5-0 advantage from the first encounter. This detailed preview will analyze team statistics, current form, and offer a unique prediction for this high-stakes fixture.

Sturm’s Uphill Battle

For the Austrian side, their journey in the current Champions League campaign appears to be reaching its conclusion. Jürgen Säumel’s squad suffered a surprisingly heavy 0-5 defeat in Norway. To somehow advance to the main stage of the European competition, Sturm faces the daunting task of winning by at least a six-goal margin. Interestingly, this marks their second consecutive away loss in the tournament with such a significant scoreline. The club has also registered its seventh defeat in their last nine Champions League matches.

• In 7 of Sturm’s previous 8 matches in this tournament, at least one team failed to score in regular time.
• Sturm conceded the opening goal in 7 of their last 9 Champions League fixtures.
• A maximum of two goals were scored in 90 minutes in 4 of the club’s last home matches in this European competition.

Sturm’s Probable Lineup (4-3-3)*

Oliver Christensen – Max Johnston, Tim Ehrmann, Dimitri Lavalée, Emre Karić – Jon Gorenc Stanković, Tomi Horvat, Tochi Chukwuani – Otar Kiteishvili, Leon Grgić, William Bøving.

Bodø/Glimt’s Commanding Lead

Kjetil Knutsen’s team has effectively settled the outcome of this tie, leaving little doubt about the aggregate winner. In the return leg, even a substantial defeat would be acceptable for them, as long as it’s by no more than four goals. Should a miraculous five-goal loss occur, extra time would be required. It’s worth noting that Bodø/Glimt has triumphed in 6 of their last 7 matches in this tournament.

• At least 3 goals were scored in regular time in 6 of the Norwegians’ last 8 Champions League encounters.
• Bodø/Glimt remained undefeated in 90 minutes in 10 of their last 12 previous matches in this European competition (9 wins and 1 draw).
• The club failed to win in regular time in 6 of their last 8 recent away games in the Champions League (1 draw and 5 losses).

Bodø/Glimt’s Probable Lineup (4-3-3)*

Nikita Haikin – Fredrik Sjøvold, Haitam Aleesami, Fredrik Bjørkan, Odin Bjørtuft – Patrick Berg, Ulrik Saltnes, Håkon Evjen – Isak Dubvik Määttä, Kasper Høgh, Jens Petter Hauge.

Referee Analysis

Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Szymon Marciniak’s Statistics

Matches Officiated: 12 (International fixtures, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow Cards Shown (including second yellows): 43;

Average Yellow Cards per Match: 3.6;

Red Cards Shown: 1;

Average Fouls per Match: 23;

Penalties Awarded: 42%.

Detailed Match Prediction

Bodø/Glimt’s Qualification and Scoring Potential

The Norwegian side has already secured their highly anticipated entry into the autumn phase of the Champions League during the first match. This marks a historic achievement, as the club had never before reached the main stage of this prestigious European competition. Given the Scandinavians’ offensive capabilities, they are highly likely to trouble the opposing goalkeeper again in the second leg, having scored in 4 of their last 5 Champions League away fixtures. However, they also conceded in 7 of their last 8 recent away matches in this tournament.

Sturm’s Offensive Intent and Defensive Vulnerabilities

Sturm participated in the Champions League group stage last season, but this year they appear completely unprepared for European challenges, having conceded as many as 5 goals against the Norwegian champions. Interestingly, at least 5 goals have been scored in 3 of the Austrians’ last 4 matches in this tournament. The home side will strive to score as early as possible to attempt a comeback, indicating that a high-scoring performance can be expected from Sturm in the return match. Nevertheless, Sturm is also likely to concede, a pattern evident in 9 of their last 11 Champions League games.

Final Betting Tip

My prediction for this match is ‘Total Goals Over 3’.

* The probable starting lineup for each team is based on their formation from their last match in this tournament.