Thu Apr 10 16:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Europa League Underdogs Bodo/Glimt to Test Lazio’s Title Hopes

**Tromsø, Norway** – A David versus Goliath clash is set to unfold in the Europa League quarter-finals as Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt, a team from just outside the Arctic Circle, take on Italian giants Lazio on Thursday. While Lazio cruised through the group stages and edged past Viktoria Plzen in the last 16, Bodo/Glimt’s journey has been far more dramatic. They navigated the playoffs, overcoming a 1-0 deficit against Twente with a thrilling 5-2 extra-time victory, and then eliminated last year’s Conference League champions Olympiacos despite a 2-1 away loss in the second leg.

Bodo/Glimt’s home advantage is a significant factor. They have a formidable record at their Aspmyra Stadion, winning five of six home games in this year’s Europa League, often scoring three or more goals. Their potent attack, spearheaded by Kasper Hogh (seven goals in the competition), has continued its scoring streak domestically, netting 11 unanswered goals since their Olympiacos clash.

However, Lazio, boasting seven Europa League wins this season – their most in a single European campaign since the 1999-00 Champions League – enter the tie as favorites. Despite a recent dip in Serie A form, a crucial win over Atalanta has injected confidence into the team. Star striker Taty Castellanos is nearing a return, but midfield maestro Nicolo Rovella is suspended, and Patric and Nuno Tavares are injured.

Bodo/Glimt, meanwhile, have an almost fully fit squad, with captain Ulrik Saltnes and midfield powerhouse Patrick Berg (58 tackles in the Europa League this season) expected to start. Their attacking prowess, coupled with Lazio’s recent inconsistency and key absences, suggests a potential upset. The first leg promises an exciting, open encounter between two contrasting styles, with both teams possessing significant attacking firepower. The return leg next week will see the winner face either Eintracht Frankfurt or Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals.

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