On paper, the situation heading into the Champions League opener could hardly be clearer. FC Bayern hosts Bodo/Glimt on Thursday and enters the match as the clear favorite. However, a look at the Norwegians’ recent European record shows that the German record champions are in for a tough opponent.
Particularly noteworthy: Bodo/Glimt has never lost a European Cup match on German soil. However, this statistic should be taken with a grain of salt, as the Norwegians have only played in Germany twice so far.
The first matchup took place a long time ago. In 1999, Bodo/Glimt earned a 1-1 draw at Werder Bremen. Last December, they followed that up with a 2-2 draw at Borussia Dortmund. There have been no other European Cup away matches against German clubs to date.
However, their performance at Signal Iduna Park in particular showed that Bodo can now compete at the highest level even on the road. BVB took the lead twice through Julian Brandt, but the Norwegians found a way to equalize both times. With the score tied at 2–2, Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel even had to prevent a loss in the closing minutes.
Bodo beat City, Atlético, and Inter
The draw in Dortmund was by no means the highlight of the Norwegians’ international season. Afterward, Bodo/Glimt actually stepped up their game even further in the Champions League.
The Norwegian champions racked up five straight wins. Among other victories, they defeated Manchester City, followed by an away win at Atlético Madrid. Bodo also managed to beat Inter twice. Against Sporting, the team even prevailed 3–0.
The victory over Inter, in particular, caused a stir internationally. Bodo advanced in the knockout round with an aggregate score of 5–2.
Their recent European record underscores just how dangerous this supposed underdog has become. In their last ten international matches, Bodo has recorded eight wins, along with one draw and just one loss.
For Bayern, this opening match immediately sets up an intriguing clash of two extraordinary streaks. While Bodo has never lost a European away game in Germany, Munich has been undefeated in 38 home games in the group and league stages of the Champions League.
Bayern’s incredible opening streak is on the line
Even more impressive is Bayern’s record on the first matchday of the Champions League. The Munich side has won all 22 of its opening Champions League matches.
On Thursday, at least one of these streaks is bound to be put to the test. Bayern hopes to extend its impressive opening-match record while also becoming the first German club to win a European home game against Bodo/Glimt.