Ulrik Saltnes was the hero in Bodø on Thursday night, scoring both goals as Bodø/Glimt shocked Serie A side Lazio 2-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarterfinal. The match, played just inside the Arctic Circle, overcame severe weather concerns after heavy snowfall earlier in the day had threatened postponement.
Despite the challenging conditions and the artificial pitch, the hosts adapted quickly and delivered a composed, clinical performance against a Lazio side that had topped the group phase.
Saltnes opened the scoring early in the second half, drilling a low shot past goalkeeper Christos Mandas after being set up smartly by Ole Didrik Blomberg. He then doubled Bodø/Glimt’s lead with a clever lob that beat Mandas and crossed the line before Lazio defender Alessio Romagnoli could clear.
The result marks another memorable European night for Bodø/Glimt, who continue to punch above their weight in continental competition. Lazio, meanwhile, will have it all to do in the return leg next week in Rome.
Elsewhere in the Europa League Tonight
Several European heavyweights are also in action later Thursday. Manchester United travels to face Lyon, Tottenham hosts Eintracht Frankfurt in London, and Rangers welcome Spain’s Athletic Bilbao to Ibrox in Glasgow. All second-leg matches are scheduled for next week.
Chelsea Keeps Rolling in Conference League With Comfortable Win in Poland
Young stars shine as Blues beat Legia Warsaw 3-0 to stay perfect
Chelsea continued their flawless run in the UEFA Europa Conference League with a convincing 3-0 victory over Legia Warsaw, extending their perfect record in the competition.
After a lackluster first half, the Premier League side found their rhythm after the break. Tyrique George opened the scoring in the 49th minute, slotting home a rebound to score his first senior goal for the club.
Substitute Noni Madueke made an immediate impact, curling in a left-footed shot just eight minutes later to double Chelsea’s lead. The visitors had a chance to make it three from the penalty spot, but Christopher Nkunku’s effort was denied by the Legia goalkeeper.
Madueke eventually did add the third in the 74th minute, tapping in from close range to cap an impressive second-half display.
With the second leg still to come, Chelsea looks firmly in control of their quarterfinal tie as they chase the club’s first Europa Conference League title.