The first blows in the playoffs for the Champions League have been dealt by FK Bodø/Glimt, Lille, and Dinamo Zagreb. The clubs from Norway, France, and Croatia won respectively against Red Star Belgrade (2-1), Slavia Prague (2-0), and Qarabag FK (3-0).
Bodø/Glimt could have been Ajax's opponent in the Europa League playoffs, but they managed to overcome Jagiellonia Białystok in a two-legged tie.
The Norwegian side demonstrated resilience and determination to secure their place in the next round, ultimately setting up a challenging encounter with Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League playoffs. The match against the Serbian giants was eagerly anticipated, as Red Star is known for its rich European pedigree and passionate fan base.
In the cold, unforgiving conditions of northern Norway, Bodø/Glimt rose to the occasion and delivered a performance full of grit and quality. The 2-1 victory over Red Star was hard-fought, with Bodø taking the lead early in the match, only for Red Star to equalize. However, Bodø's persistence paid off as they found a second goal to clinch the win. One of the goalscorers was Isak Määttä, a former FC Groningen player who has been instrumental in Bodø's success this season. His contribution was crucial in ensuring that Bodø/Glimt took a significant step closer to the coveted Champions League group stage. Additionally, the match saw appearances from other players with Eredivisie experience, including Hakon Evjen, who previously played for AZ Alkmaar, and Frederik Bjorkan, formerly of Feyenoord, both of whom played pivotal roles in maintaining the team's defensive solidity and attacking impetus.
Meanwhile, in France, Lille faced Slavia Prague in a home fixture that carried immense significance for the French side as they aimed to secure a spot in Europe's elite competition. The match was a showcase of Lille's attacking prowess, with Jonathan David leading the charge. David, who has been one of Ligue 1's standout performers in recent seasons, continued his fine form by opening the scoring and later providing an assist. His contributions were instrumental in Lille's 2-0 victory, which puts them in a strong position to advance. While Ethan Mbappé, the younger brother of Kylian Mbappé, remained on the bench throughout the match, Osame Sahraoui was given a brief opportunity to make his mark, coming on as a substitute in the closing minutes. Although his time on the pitch was limited, Sahraoui's inclusion in the squad highlights the depth of talent available to Lille as they continue their European campaign.
In Croatia, Dinamo Zagreb was looking to put the disappointment of last year's Champions League qualifiers behind them. A year ago, their performances were closely watched by Dutch football fans due to the presence of Luka Ivanušec and Josip Šutalo, both of whom were linked with transfers to Feyenoord and Ajax, respectively. While those transfers eventually materialized, Zagreb's European aspirations were cut short. This time around, however, Dinamo Zagreb has made a strong statement of intent by dismantling Qarabag FK 3-0 in their playoff match. The victory was a comprehensive display of their attacking firepower, with Marko Pjaca opening the scoring and Sandro Kulenovic adding two more goals to seal the win.
Dinamo Zagreb's commanding performance puts them in an excellent position to secure a place in the Champions League group stage, a feat that would represent a significant achievement for the club and its fans. The result not only reflects the quality of the squad but also the tactical acumen of their coaching staff, who have managed to build a team capable of competing at the highest level of European football. For the players, particularly those who have been at the club through the highs and lows of recent years, this success is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
As the playoffs progress, all three clubs—Bodø/Glimt, Lille, and Dinamo Zagreb—will be looking to build on their first-leg victories and secure their places in the group stage of the Champions League. With so much at stake, the return legs promise to deliver more drama, excitement, and, potentially, some surprises as Europe's top clubs battle it out for a spot in the continent's premier club competition.
