Sporting CP vs Bodø/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage have reached the Round of 16 second leg at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. The Portuguese champions face a massive challenge after losing the first leg 3-0 in Norway, meaning they must score at least four goals without reply to progress to the Champions League quarterfinals.
Bodø/Glimt, meanwhile, are enjoying a historic Champions League run and come into the match with confidence after dominating the first leg.
Sporting CP vs Bodø/Glimt Date, Time, Venue, Team Form, and News
- Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025-26 – Round of 16 (2nd Leg)
- Match Date: 17 March 2026
- Kick-off: 17:45 GMT / 18:45 CET
- Venue: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal
First Leg Recap
Bodø/Glimt stunned Sporting with a 3-0 victory in the first leg, with goals from Sondre Brunstad Fet, Ole Didrik Blomberg and Kasper Høgh.
The Norwegian side dominated much of the game and now hold a commanding advantage heading into Lisbon.
Team Form & Context
Sporting CP
Sporting must produce one of the greatest comebacks in their European history. The Portuguese side have been very strong at home this season, winning all four of their Champions League matches at the José Alvalade during the league phase.
However, defensive errors in the first leg put them under immense pressure heading into this decisive match.
Bodø/Glimt
Bodø/Glimt are the biggest surprise package of this Champions League campaign. Their first-leg win was their fifth consecutive victory in the competition, highlighting their incredible form and confidence.
The Norwegian champions are comfortable playing on the counter-attack and will try to protect their lead.
Team News
Sporting CP
Sporting CP’s first-leg disappointment (2-3) highlighted finishing issues despite 58% possession, but their home fortress (unbeaten in 12 of 13 European games) offers hope. Morten Hjulmand is returning from suspension, and there are no significant new injury concerns to report.
Viktor Gyökeres (12 goals) and Pedro Gonçalves (8 assists) lead attack, in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 averaging 62% possession and 18 shots per home game—set to overwhelm Bodø/Glimt’s press.
- Back from suspension: Maximiliano Araújo, Pedro Gonçalves
- Injured / unavailable: Fotis Ioannidis, Ricardo Mangas, Geovany Quenda
- Doubtful: Giorgi Kochorashvili
Bodø/Glimt
Bodø/Glimt’s first-leg heroics (3-2) showcased counter efficiency, but injuries bite: Ulrik Saltnes (knee, doubtful), Ola Solbakken (muscle, out), and captain Patrick Berg (suspension risk).
Albert Grønbæk (first-leg goal) and Runar Espejord lead, in Kjetil Knutsen’s 4-2-3-1 yielding 1.6 goals away but conceding 1.4. Press forces 12 turnovers, but zonal sets falter.
- No major injury concerns reported
- Likely to field the same XI that won the first leg
Head-to-Head Record
The first competitive series featured Bodø/Glimt vs. Sporting CP in the first leg, with a final score of 3-2 in favor of Bodø/Glimt. There were no prior meetings between the two teams.
| Date | Competition | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 18, 2026 | UCL Play-offs | Bodø/Glimt 3-2 Sporting CP | 3-2 |
Sporting CP vs Bodø/Glimt Predicted Starting XI
Sporting CP (4-2-3-1)
Rui Silva; Fresneda, Diomande, Inácio, Araújo; Hjulmand, Morita; Catamo, Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves; Luis Suárez.
Bodø/Glimt (4-3-3)
Haikin; Sjovold, Bjørtuft, Gundersen, Bjørkan; Evjen, Berg, Fet; Blomberg, Høgh, Hauge.
Key Players to Watch
Sporting CP
- Pedro Gonçalves – Sporting’s most creative attacker
- Francisco Trincão – Dangerous winger capable of changing the game
Bodø/Glimt
- Jens Petter Hauge – Key playmaker in the first leg
- Kasper Høgh – Clinical striker and goal threat
Match Prediction Sporting CP vs Bodø/Glimt
Sporting are expected to attack aggressively from the first minute in search of an early goal, which could open the game. However, Bodø/Glimt’s counter-attacking pace and confidence make them extremely dangerous.
- Prediction: Sporting CP 2-1 Bodø/Glimt
- Aggregate: Bodø/Glimt advance 4-2.