Sjøvold Goal Gives Bodø/Glimt Champions League Win Over Dortmund

Bodø/Glimt added another famous European scalp to their collection, as Fredrik Sjøvold’s second-half strike gave the Norwegian champions a 1-0 win over Borussia Dortmund at a raucous Aspmyra Stadium.

The hosts, beaten 5-0 by Bayern Munich in their opening game, claimed their first win of this season’s Champions League with a performance full of pressing, purpose and bravery. Dortmund, who arrived above the Arctic Circle on a seven-match unbeaten run, suffered their first defeat of the campaign since the German Super Cup and never found their rhythm.

Kjetil Knutsen’s side had been the better team from the first minute, when Sondre Brunstad Fet sent an early effort over the bar. They harried Dortmund’s build-up play relentlessly, forcing mistakes and turning them into attacks. Jens Petter Hauge, set up by Sondre Auklend, drew a save from Gregor Kobel, and Fet bent a shot narrowly wide after being played through by Patrick Berg.

It was a physical contest. Kouakou Joane Gadou was booked in the 13th minute for hauling back Fredrik Bjørkan, and Fabio Silva followed him into the book for a high boot on the same player. Silva also produced Dortmund’s best moment of the half, heading into the hands of Nikita Haikin. Hauge then cushioned a ball across the six-yard box, but Andreas Helmersen slid just past the far post, and the sides went in goalless despite the home side’s dominance.

Bodø’s pressure told seven minutes after the break. Kobel had already kept out a sharp Helmersen effort inside the first minute of the second half, but he was beaten in the 52nd minute. A counter-attack started by Berg sent Auklend down the right, and his low cross was met by Sjøvold, who took it first time at the near post and sent the home support into raptures.

Niko Kovač responded around the hour with four substitutions, and Dortmund finally came to life. Felix Nmecha forced Haikin into a save with a stinging effort from distance, Serhou Guirassy went close from a tight angle after a cutback, and with 15 minutes left Ethan Nwaneri had the equaliser at his feet but shot wide. The visitors pushed on into stoppage time, with Haikin again denying Nmecha, but the Bodø defence stood firm.