Bodø/Glimt continued their remarkable run in the UEFA Champions League, adding Sporting CP to a list of impressive victories that already included Champions League runner-up Inter Milan. Following recent 3-1 home wins against ManCity and Inter, the Norwegian side once again found the back of the net three times on their artificial pitch north of the Arctic Circle. Sondre Brunstad Fet, Ole Didrik Blomberg, and Kasper Högh each scored for the home team.
Sporting CP had an early opportunity when Luis Suarez headed just over the bar from a corner in the 6th minute, but Bodø/Glimt quickly took control of the match.
Bodø/Glimt on the Brink of Historic Quarterfinal Appearance
FK Bodø/Glimt continued their successful streak in the UEFA Champions League, winning the first leg of their round of 16 match convincingly 3-0 against Sporting CP. Sondre Brunstad Fet, Ole Didrik Blomberg, and Kasper Högh scored for the Norwegian team, putting Bodø/Glimt on the verge of their first-ever quarterfinal appearance.
Fet Opens with Penalty
Fet converted a penalty in the 32nd minute, earned after being fouled himself, and Blomberg doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time with a well-placed shot from a tight angle.
In the 55th minute, Bodø/Glimt defender Jostein Gundersen narrowly missed a third goal, shooting directly at goalkeeper Rui Silva from a corner. Kasper Högh would eventually extend the lead, breaking through two defenders in the 71st minute to skillfully slot the ball home.
Arsenal Shows First Signs of Weakness
Top contender Arsenal endured a rare stumble, drawing 1-1 at Bayer Leverkusen. The London club, which had won all eight of their group stage matches, faced a tough challenge from the German side.
A controversial penalty, converted by Kai Havertz in the 89th minute, rescued a draw for Arsenal. Havertz, a Leverkusen academy product, refrained from celebrating against his former club.
Havertz Secures Late Equalizer for Arsenal at Leverkusen
Kai Havertz scored a late penalty for Arsenal in their Champions League round of 16 first leg, securing a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen. Leverkusen had taken the lead through captain Robert Andrich and presented a strong challenge against the Premier League leaders.
Late Penalty Levels the Score
Leverkusen prevented Arsenal from finding their rhythm and successfully defended against the Gunners’ dangerous set pieces in the first half. Gabriel Martinelli hit the crossbar in the 19th minute for Arsenal’s best chance of the opening period.
Immediately after the restart, Martin Terrier tested Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya with a header. Shortly after, Bayer Leverkusen captain Robert Andrich headed home from Alejandro Grimaldo’s corner at the far post in the 46th minute. Jurrien Timber headed over the bar for Arsenal in the 84th minute.
Moments later, Noni Madueke went down in the penalty area following contact with Malik Tillmann. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, which Havertz calmly converted, sending the ball past Janis Blaswich. Arsenal avoided a fourth defeat in 47 competitive matches this season.
