Bodø/Glimt became the first Norwegian team ever to reach a European semi-final after a nail-biting penalty shootout win over Lazio in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals. Despite losing 3-1 after extra time at the Stadio Olimpico, the visitors held their nerve to win 3-2 on penalties and advance on aggregate.
The tie began with Bodø showing attacking intent, as Håkon Evjen forced a save within the opening seconds. Lazio, however, quickly settled into the game and halved the aggregate deficit when Taty Castellanos stylishly flicked home from close range after good work by Gustav Isaksen. The Italians continued to press, with Mattia Zaccagni hitting the bar and Nikita Haikin called into action several times.
Still, Bodø had chances of their own, with Patrick Berg’s free-kick testing Christos Mandas before half-time, and Jens Petter Hauge drawing another top save from the Lazio keeper in the second half. Haikin played a heroic role, producing multiple stops to deny Pedro, Castellanos, and Zaccagni.
Lazio’s persistence paid off in stoppage time as substitute Tijjani Noslin tapped in from close range to force extra time. The momentum appeared to swing completely in the hosts’ favour when Boulaye Dia headed home from a Mattéo Guendouzi chip to put Lazio ahead on aggregate.
But the Norwegian side weren’t done yet. Andreas Helmersen equalised in extra time with a header, only to be sent off moments later for a second yellow card. With the match ending level on aggregate, a penalty shootout followed.
The drama continued from the spot. Hauge’s opening penalty was saved, and Lazio edged ahead. But Haikin stepped up again, saving from Loum Tchaouna and watching Noslin miss the target. Though Berg missed a chance to seal it, Castellanos’ wild miss gave Bodø a historic 3-2 shootout win.
It was a night of resilience, heart, and history for Bodø/Glimt, who now march on to the Europa League semi-finals—breaking new ground for Norwegian football.
