Sporting CP vs Bodø / Glimt

Sporting [WWWDL] must overturn a three-goal deficit after losing the first leg 3–0 in Norway, and history suggests that will be far from straightforward. This marks the third time in the last five seasons that the Lions have entered the second leg of a UCL knockout tie needing to recover a deficit of at least three goals. Their recent record in such situations does not inspire confidence either, as they are currently on a six-match winless run in major European knockout matches [0W, 3D, 3L]. Should that sequence continue, it would represent a third consecutive failure to overturn a deficit of this magnitude. However, Rui Borges’ side can take encouragement from their formidable home form. The Lisbon side are currently on a 15-game winning streak at home across all competitions [15W, 0D, 0L], a run that includes a memorable victory over defending champions Paris Saint-Germain. Sporting also have a strong record against Norwegian opposition on home soil, boasting a 100% win rate from three previous matches [3W, 0D, 0L]. Nevertheless, the hosts could still be without several key players, with Fotis Ioannidis, Giorgi Kochorashvili and Ricardo Mangas all expected to miss out. The Lions may file out in a 4—2—3—1 pattern with Luis Suárez leading the attack.

Visitors Bodø/Glimt [WWWWW] arrive in Lisbon with confidence after their commanding first-leg performance. The Norwegian champions have already made history in their maiden UCL main-draw campaign, and they now stand on the brink of another landmark achievement. If they protect their advantage, they could become the first Norwegian club in nearly 30 years to reach the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier competition. Momentum is certainly on their side. The Gleam have won five consecutive UCL matches [5W, 0D, 0L], and a sixth victory here would see them equal the record for the longest winning streak in the competition by a club from outside Europe’s traditional top-five leagues. Their recent away performances also provide encouragement, as they have recorded three straight competitive wins on the road in 2026 [3W, 0D, 0L]. Encouragingly for the visitors, Kjetil Knutsen appears to have a fully fit squad available for this clash. A 4—3—3 formation is expected with the trio of Kasper Høgh, Jens Petter Hauge and Ole Didrik Blomberg in the attacking line.