Bodo Glimt — Sturm Graz : Match Preview and Prediction for August 20,2025

European Campaign History

Bodo/Glimt, despite never reaching the Champions League group stage previously and falling short twice, has firmly established its presence in European club football through its Europa League campaigns. A testament to their capability was last season’s run to the semi-finals, where they were ultimately defeated by eventual champions Tottenham (1-3, 0-2 aggregate).

Domestic League Performance

Currently, the hosts find themselves well into their Norwegian championship season, having recently surged to the top of the table, surpassing Viking on goal difference. This impressive climb was significantly fueled by a formidable nine-match unbeaten run, securing 23 points from a possible 27. A crucial 4-2 away victory over Viking was particularly instrumental in their championship pursuit.

Offensive and Defensive Prowess

Under Kjetil Knutsen’s guidance, the team’s performance shines both offensively and defensively. With 49 goals scored and only 17 conceded, they boast the league’s most potent attack and stingiest defense, respectively.

Transfer Market Activity

The Norwegian club’s management maintained a restrained approach in the summer transfer window, with Mathias Jørgensen from Aalborg being their sole notable acquisition. Other transfers were primarily strategic, reinforcing specific areas of the squad.

Squad Availability and Key Absences

Manager Kjetil Knutsen confirmed that Ole Blomberg and Jostein Maurstad Gundersen remain sidelined due to injury and will not be available for selection in this fixture.

Champions League Experience

Sturm Graz is progressively adapting to the high stakes of Champions League football. Their previous campaign saw them successfully navigate qualification to reach the main stage. While they secured only two victories, notably 1-0 wins against Girona and RB Leipzig, the invaluable experience gained was significant.

Qualification Path

Leveraging Austria’s UEFA club coefficient, Sturm Graz enters the Champions League qualifiers directly at the playoff stage, bypassing earlier rounds, a path identical to their current opponent.

Start to the Season

The ‘Black and Whites’ commenced their current season in the domestic cup, where they secured a dominant 4-0 victory over the modest Bischofshofen, setting an early positive tone.

Bundesliga Form and Recent Results

In the Bundesliga, Jürgen Säumel’s squad immediately focused on their title defense, securing a solid 2-0 away win against LASK. However, their subsequent home match resulted in a 1-2 defeat to Rapid. Despite deserving at least a draw, a combination of inefficient finishing and defensive lapses proved costly. Nevertheless, Sturm swiftly rebounded, clinching a convincing 3-1 away victory over Ried.

Transfer Window Overview

During the summer transfer window, Sturm Graz largely maintained squad continuity, with no major departures or significant reinforcements. While Filip Kucharzyk (from Cracovia) and Axel Kayombo (from Basel) were brought in, they are primarily considered rotational options.

Current Injury Concerns

Jürgen Säumel continues to contend with a trio of injured players: Axel Kayombo, Daniil Khudyakov, and Aleksandar Borkovic, who remain unavailable for selection.