Olympiacos’ impressive 26-game unbeaten streak came to a crashing halt as FK Bodo/Glimt delivered a dominant performance, securing a commanding 3-0 victory to take a huge step towards the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals.
Fresh off their dramatic comeback against Twente in the previous round, and boasting a formidable home record in Europe this season, the Norwegian side wasted no time asserting their authority at Aspmyra Stadion.
Their early pressure paid off just eight minutes in, though their breakthrough goal was more a stroke of luck than skill. Jostein Gundersen’s header struck the crossbar, only to rebound off Olympiacos goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis and into the net.
The home side controlled the opening period, but Olympiacos had their moments, with Roman Yaremchuk twice coming close, only to be denied by the sharp reflexes of Nikita Haikin.
As halftime approached, Kjetil Knutsen’s men turned up the heat, with Kasper Hogh at the heart of the action for both good and bad reasons.
The team’s leading goalscorer squandered a golden opportunity after an electrifying 70-yard solo run from Fredrik Andre Bjorkan, firing straight at Tzolakis. However, redemption came just five minutes later.
Some slick interplay down the right flank released Ole Didrik Blomberg, whose cross found Hogh. The Danish forward scuffed his shot, but it was enough to wrong-foot Tzolakis and double Glimt’s advantage.
The halftime whistle provided little relief for Olympiacos, who continued to struggle against a relentless Glimt attack.
Ulrik Saltnes had already tested Tzolakis before Hogh struck again, this time tapping in a well-placed cross from Bjorkan to make it 3-0.
Despite the setback, Jose Luis Mendilibar’s men attempted to mount a response, pushing forward in search of a crucial away goal.
However, every time they threatened, they were met with resolute defending, highlighted by a remarkable last-ditch tackle from Fredrik Sjovold at the hour mark.
Ultimately, Olympiacos ran out of ideas and energy, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the return leg. To keep their Europa League hopes alive, they will need nothing short of a miraculous turnaround back in Greece.
