– It's a bit strange to be disappointed after the 2-2 defeat against Ajax. There are somewhat mixed feelings, but we have to be able to say that it was a good performance, says top scorer Albert Gronback (22) for Viasat.
The Dane doubled Glimt's lead midway through the second half, and last year's Norwegian league champion looked ready to achieve another European achievement.
But in extra time, things completely fell apart for the Yellow Shirts.
Firstly, centre-back Odin Bjortoft took a penalty kick one minute into extra time, was shown a red card, and had to see the penalty kick go in to make it 1-2.
Then, seven minutes into extra time, Steven Berghuis equalized to make it 2-2.
Glimt coach Ketil Knutsen predicted that Ajax would give their all from the start. Instead, he saw his side take the lead after just 16 minutes.
Photo: Agence France-Presse
– There are a lot of good things to take from it and it is a good starting point for a good football match in Aspemira, says Bodø/Glimt coach Ketil Knutsen in the post-match press conference.
A draw away to Ajax means the return leg in Bodø in one week's time will be wide open.
– It will be a new match on the track and surfaces that we trust. We are good at Aspmyra, but then there will be a number of tactical things to take into account, says Knutsen and continues:
– Ajax is a very good offensive team and the players have the X factor. We must be a team that defends and attacks well. Then I think we can do well, Knutsen continues.
– Small Glimt feature
NRK football expert Karl-Erik Torp leaves himself impressed with the yellow shirts.
– It's insanely impressive how brave Glimt is. The results are really cool attacks and there are no coincidences. It's combinations, good technique and good understanding,” says Torp, who believes Glimt has the advantage heading into the second leg.
– When the disappointment subsides a little, after all, 2-2 is not a bad starting point, he continues.
Albert Gronback set the tone against Ajax, destroying the middle for the yellow shirts before having to leave through injury in the second half.
Photo: AP
Because it was initially a huge task for the yellow shirts in the away match with Ajax in the Italian League playoff.
While Glimt arrived in the Netherlands straight from the training camp in Spain, the home side found their form after a disastrous start to the season, recording eight wins in their last twelve league matches.
But it was the nearly 900 visiting Glimt fans who had to rub their eyes after 16 minutes.
In the main role: Albert Grunbach (22).
– Promotional football
The midfield gem recently signed a new contract with Bodøværings and immediately provided value for money.
– Today his value increased by 30-40-50 million in that match. Glimt hit the mark there, says Viaplay expert Pål André Helland of Grønbæk.
The whole attack started with a backheel kick to Patrik Berg, who once again found Jens Peter Hauge on the edge.
Hauge charged towards the Ajax defence, and waited long enough, before finding Grønbæk on the other side of the penalty area.
Glimt players celebrate after a 2-0 score from Albert Gronback.
Photo: AP
In a duel with the super-talented Gurel Hato (17), he shot the ball ice-cold at the near post, hitting goalkeeper Diyanet Ramage with the wrong foot.
-It's a typical attack. It's propaganda football, says Viaplay expert Pal Andre Helland, about the 1-0 scoreline – which was also the half-time score.
– Denmark's gift to Norwegian football
But he was not finished shocking the approximately 50,000 spectators at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
After 63 minutes, the 22-year-old was getting buzz again.
This time he was a little more fortunate, after the ball bounced slightly back and forth inside the penalty area. Grønbæk put the ball back to his legs inside the box, finishing calmly and coolly into the far corner.
– A Danish gift to Norwegian football, said NRK commentator Olav Train.
2-0 against Bodo/Glimt and Ajax were stunned.
But with a minute to go before normal time, Ajax should spark hope ahead of the second leg.
Substitute Odin Bjortoft fouled home team power forward Brian Brobbey, and the referee pointed to the spot.
In addition, he received a red card as a result of Bjortoft denying Probbe a clear scoring opportunity.
Ajax players were quick to pick up the ball after scoring 2-2 against Glimt seven minutes into extra time.
Photo: Reuters
-It's unsportsmanlike. Torp says he's not making an honest attempt to get the ball and is trying to sabotage
Branko van den Boomen stepped up to the penalty spot and put the ball past Ketil Hoog past Glimt.
This led to some interesting final minutes in Amsterdam.
Seven minutes into extra time, the equalizer came from the Netherlands.
Henderson about the rematch: – It will be difficult
Perhaps Ajax's biggest profile is former Liverpool player Jordan Henderson.
After just six months in Saudi Arabia, he returned to Europe and Ajax.
He expressed his happiness that the team was able to come back from 0-2.
– It says a lot about the team that we were able to return to, he tells Viasat.
He is excited for the return match, without seeming to have studied the visitors So Carefully.
And Jordan Henderson may not be looking forward to the rematch at Bodo next week, on artificial turf, four degrees and blustery winds.
Photo: Reuters
– It will be difficult. “They are a good team, well organized,” Henderson continued.
– I heard that it is cold… and that it is artificial grass? It will be a different test for us.
He denied that Ajax was surprised by Glimt's level.
– No, we knew they were a good team, which they proved tonight. “But we can play better,” Henderson says.
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