Fredrik Sjovold Fires Bodo/Glimt to Champions League Win Over Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund were beaten 1-0 by Bodo/Glimt at Aspmyra Stadion after Fredrik Sjovold’s early second-half goal settled a difficult Champions League night in Norway.
The Bundesliga side struggled to establish control during an intense opening period from the Norwegian champions, whose home artificial surface again proved an awkward setting for a major European visitor.
Quick facts
- Bodo/Glimt defeated Borussia Dortmund 1-0 at Aspmyra Stadion.
- Right-back Fredrik Sjovold scored the only goal shortly after half-time.
- Dortmund coach Niko Kovac made four substitutions after the goal.
- Goalkeeper Nikita Haikin denied Felix Nmecha twice from close range.
- Manchester City and Inter Milan have also previously lost at the stadium.
Sjovold’s strike gave Bodo/Glimt the advantage and prompted Kovac to make a quadruple change as Dortmund attempted to alter the direction of the match. The visitors subsequently enjoyed more of the ball and spent long spells pressing for an equaliser.
Haikin was central to the home side’s resistance. The Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper made two important close-range stops from Nmecha as Dortmund’s pressure increased in the latter stages.
Kjetil Knutsen accepted that his side were forced onto the defensive after the interval, but praised the work required to protect their lead.
“We lost momentum in the second half, through the middle and wide areas,” Knutsen said. “It was difficult and we had to defend. But you also have to suffer, and I really liked the way we fought for the three points.”
The result adds Dortmund to the list of prominent European clubs to leave Aspmyra Stadion without a result, following earlier defeats there for Manchester City and Inter Milan.
Dortmund now need to regain ground in their remaining Champions League league-phase matches. Kovac and his squad will review a disappointing performance on the artificial pitch before returning to a demanding domestic and European programme.
