Bodo/Glimt coach strives to dictate tempo against Union Saint-Gilloise in Champions League duel
Union Saint-Gilloise faces a stern test on Tuesday at 20:00 against Bodo/Glimt in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. Last season, the Norwegian side notably eliminated both Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in the group stage.
- Published on 03-08-2026 at 19:44
- in Ostend, Belgium
Norwegian head coach Kjetil Knutsen acknowledged on Monday in the nearly empty press room of the KVDO Arena in Ostend that his side faces “a very strong opponent.” “This is a team that plays in a physical and direct manner. We know their strengths and weaknesses, but we also have our own identity. We have a solid game plan and aim to control the match. We always play offensively, both at home and away, so we won’t settle for defending for 95 minutes.”
Union Saint-Gilloise and Bodo/Glimt have met once before, in October 2024, during the group stage of the Europa League. On that occasion, the sides played out a goalless draw at Brussels’ King Baudouin Stadium. Knutsen, who has led the Norwegian team since early 2018, still recalls that encounter but stresses that Union Saint-Gilloise has since become “a new team.” “They still have a few players from back then, but their philosophy remains unchanged: they integrate new players seamlessly into their system, help them grow, and sell them for a profit. Like us, they aren’t one of the biggest teams in the world, yet they’ve evolved over the years. In Belgium, they’re currently one of the top two sides, alongside Club Bruges. Their work is outstanding.”
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