Sturm Graz vs Bodø/Glimt Preview – 26 August 2025 (Kick-off: 21:00 CET)
"See our in-depth preview of the UEFA Champions League playoff second leg between Sturm Graz and Bodø/Glimt. Scoreline predictions, lineups, head-to-head, and expert betting tips inside."
Match Overview & Context
- Fixture: Bodø/Glimt (NOR) v Sturm Graz (AUT)
- Competition: UEFA Champions League Playoff—Second Leg
- Venue: Wörthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt, Austria
- Kick-off: 21:00 CEST (19:00 UTC) Tuesday, 26 August 2025 (Sofascore)
Norwegian title winners Bodø/Glimt unleashed a shockwave 5–0 first-leg triumph, securing their inclusion in the Champions League group phase almost as an inevitability. Tonight's second leg is expected to be the mere formality. (The Stats Zone, Sportskeeda, Sportsgambler)
Head-to-Head & First Leg Recap
- First Leg Result: Bodø/Glimt 5–0 Sturm Graz at Aspmyra Stadion
- Goal scorers: Kasper Høgh, Odin L. Bjørtuft, Ulrik Saltnes, Håkon Evjen, and William Bøving's own goal (The Stats Zone, Sportsgambler).
This commanding lead is going to put an enormous amount of pressure on the Austrian squad to deliver a miracle tonight. (Sports Mole, Sportskeeda)
Recent Form & Key Statistics
| Team | Recent Form Overview |
|---|---|
| Sturm Graz | Austrian champions (2024–25), but winless in recent UCL qualifier home matches; conceding form a concern. (Wikipedia, Sportskeeda, Ratingbet) |
| Bodø/Glimt | Unbeaten in 10 games (8 wins, 2 draws) in all comps; strident away form. (BetMines, Sportskeeda, Sportsgambler, Wikipedia) |
Lineups & Tactical Preview
Predicted Lineups:
- Sturm Graz (4–3–3): Christensen; Malic, Oermann, Lavalee, Karic; Horvat, Stankovic, Chukwuani; Kiteishvili, Grgic, Bøving (Sports Mole, BetMines)
- Bodø/Glimt (4–3–3): Haikin; Sjøvold, Bjørtuft, Nielsen, Bjørkan; Evjen, Berg, Saltnes; Mætta, Høgh, Hauge (Sports Mole, BetMines)
Expect Sturm Graz to approach Bodø/Glimt aggressively from the first kickoff, seeking to salvage dignity and quite possibly a sizeable-margin win, while Bodø/Glimt will probable opt for their disciplined, counter-attacking style in an effort to contain the game. (BetMines, Sportskeeda, SportyTrader)
Score Predictions & Betting Insights
- Sports Mole: Forecasts an aggregate 2–2 draw, with Bodø/Glimt winning 7–2 (Sports Mole).
- Football Whispers & SportsKeeda: Forecast a 1–3 Bodø/Glimt win (Football Whispers, Sportskeeda).
- Forebet's Algorithm: Forecasts a close 0–1 away victory for Bodø/Glimt (Forebet).
- BetMines & Tips.gg: Recommend a goal-fest—Over 2.5 or Over 3.0 goals would be the likely call, based on recent form (BetMines, Ratingbet).
Consensus: Across sources, Bodø/Glimt are tipped to win or at least not lose tonight, backed by excellent form and overwhelming first-leg dominance.
Why This Match Is Important
- Historic Moment: Bodø/Glimt inch one step nearer their first Champions League group stage experience. (Wikipedia)
- Sturm Graz's Redemption: Looking to regain pride on home turf after a double Bundesliga title-winning season. (Wikipedia)
- High Viewership & Betting Stakes: An attacking, open match where both teams ought to create chances.