NEC and Bodø/Glimt meet at Goffertstadion on Wednesday evening in the first leg of their Champions League playoff, with a place in the league phase now just two matches away.

The Dutch side are enjoying their first-ever Champions League campaign and have already eliminated Olympiacos, while Bodø/Glimt arrive with considerably greater recent European experience after another dramatic qualifying victory over Union Saint-Gilloise.

NEC

NEC’s rise to this stage has been remarkable. After finishing third in the Eredivisie last season, they entered Champions League qualifying for the first time in their history and are now within touching distance of the league phase.

Dick Schreuder’s side made an immediate impression in the previous round, holding Olympiacos to a goalless draw in Greece before winning 2-1 after extra time in Nijmegen. Kaj Sierhuis thought he had settled the tie with a 94th-minute goal, only for it to be ruled out for offside, but Emre Mor eventually struck the decisive goal five minutes into extra time.

That victory also guarantees NEC league-phase football of some description this season, with the Europa League awaiting should they fall short against Bodø/Glimt.

Their domestic campaign initially began with a disappointing defeat to Telstar, but NEC responded emphatically with a 4-1 victory away to Willem II. Their next Eredivisie fixture has been postponed, allowing Schreuder and his players to concentrate entirely on Wednesday’s first leg.

NEC possess plenty of experience despite their limited European pedigree. Dušan Tadić remains a major creative influence after recording 20 assists in 41 appearances last season, while 38-year-old captain Tjaronn Chery provides further quality in midfield. Bryan Linssen, who scored against Willem II, should offer the main threat further forward.

There are some significant absentees, however. Koki Ogawa and Sami Ouaissa are expected to miss out, while centre-backs Philippe Sandler and Perr Schuurs are also unavailable.

Bodø/Glimt

Bodø/Glimt are now established European campaigners, with this their fifth Champions League campaign since 2021 and another league-phase appearance firmly within reach.

Kjetil Knutsen’s side enjoyed their best European campaign yet last season, reaching the Champions League round of 16 after recording memorable victories over Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan.

Their route to this playoff has already provided plenty of drama. After drawing 3-3 with Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, Glimt were pushed all the way to extra time at Aspmyra before Andreas Helmersen scored in the 117th minute to complete a 6-5 aggregate victory.

That result continued an excellent spell for the Norwegian side. Bodø/Glimt are again challenging for the Eliteserien title after finishing one point behind Viking last season, and they have won six consecutive league matches since the summer break.

Their attacking numbers are particularly impressive. Glimt have scored at least twice in nine of their last 10 European matches and have won six of their previous eight continental fixtures, giving NEC plenty to consider despite having home advantage in the first leg.

Helmersen has taken on greater responsibility following Kasper Høgh’s move to Celtic, scoring six times in the league in addition to his crucial winner against Union SG. Jens Petter Hauge, Ola Brynhildsen and Ole Blomberg provide Knutsen with several options around the striker, while captain Patrick Berg remains fundamental in midfield.

Håkon Evjen is the major absentee, with a knee injury expected to keep him sidelined until September.

Verdict

NEC have already shown that their lack of Champions League experience should not be mistaken for a lack of quality, particularly after eliminating Olympiacos, and their victory over Willem II was another encouraging response after an inconsistent start to the domestic season.

Bodø/Glimt represent another difficult challenge, though. Knutsen’s side have accumulated substantial European experience over the past five seasons and continue to carry a significant attacking threat away from Aspmyra.

NEC should make this competitive at Goffertstadion, but Glimt’s experience and recent scoring record give the Norwegian side a slight edge heading into the first leg.

Tip

Bodø/Glimt to win.