Portuguese giants Sporting CP will host Norwegian champions FK Bodø/Glimt in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 clash on Tuesday, March 17.
Sporting face a huge challenge in the tie after suffering a heavy defeat in the first leg in Norway.
Sporting Lisbon return to home soil hoping to produce a memorable comeback after losing 3-0 in the first leg away to Bodo/Glimt. The Portuguese side struggled to contain their hosts in Norway as goals from Sondre Fet, Ole Didrik Blomberg and Kasper Hogh handed the Scandinavian side a commanding advantage.
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The Lions now need a special performance in front of their supporters to keep their Champions League campaign alive.
Despite the daunting task, Sporting can take encouragement from their excellent home form. The Lisbon outfit have won 17 of their last 18 matches at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, with several of those victories coming by comfortable margins. Their strong record at home in European competitions will give them belief that overturning the deficit is not impossible.
Sporting also have history when it comes to dramatic European comebacks. The club famously overturned a three-goal first-leg deficit against Manchester United during the 1963-64 Cup Winners’ Cup, winning 5-0 in the second leg to progress.
Bodo/Glimt, however, arrive in Portugal full of confidence after an impressive run in the Champions League. The Norwegian champions have won five consecutive matches in the competition, defeating major European sides on their journey.
The visitors’ impressive performances include victories against Manchester City and Atlético Madrid, results that underline their ability to compete against elite opposition.
With a three-goal cushion already in hand, the Norwegian side will look to manage the tie and strike on the counterattack when opportunities arise.
What time does Sporting Lisbon vs Bodo/Glimt kick off?
The match will be played at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon and is scheduled to kick off at 8:45 PM (EAT).
Sporting Lisbon vs Bodo/Glimt team news
Sporting will be boosted by the return of Maximiliano Araujo and Pedro Goncalves, who both missed the first leg through suspension.
However, the Portuguese side will still be without Fotis Ioannidis and Ricardo Mangas, who remain sidelined due to knee injuries. Promising winger Geovany Quenda is also unavailable as he continues recovering from foot surgery.
In attack, Sporting will rely heavily on Colombian forward Luis Suarez, who has been in good form at home in Europe and will lead the line again.
Bodo/Glimt, meanwhile, are expected to stick with the same lineup that delivered the impressive first-leg victory. Manager Kjetil Knutsen has named an unchanged side in their last five European matches and may opt for continuity again.
Forward Kasper Hogh has been particularly dangerous, scoring five goals in his last five Champions League appearances.
Possible Starting Lineups
- Sporting Lisbon: Silva; Fresneda, Diomande, Inacio, Araujo; Hjulmand, Morita; Catamo, Trincao, Goncalves; Suarez
- Bodo/Glimt: Haikin; Sjovold, Bjortuft, Gundersen, Bjorkan; Evjen, Berg, Fet; Blomberg, Hogh, Hauge
Sporting Lisbon vs Bodo/Glimt head to head record and current form
The first leg in Norway was the first ever meeting between Sporting Lisbon and Bodo/Glimt in European competition.
Bodo/Glimt currently hold the advantage after their 3-0 victory in that encounter.
Form Guide
- Sporting Lisbon (Champions League): D – W – L – W – W – L
- Sporting Lisbon (All Competitions): W – W – W – W – D – L
- Bodo/Glimt (Champions League): D – W – W – W – W – W
- Bodo/Glimt (All Competitions): W – W – W – W – W – W
Sporting Lisbon vs Bodo/Glimt prediction
Sporting Lisbon are likely to push forward aggressively in search of early goals and could make the contest entertaining in Lisbon. Their strong home record suggests they have the quality to win the match on the night.
However, Bodo/Glimt have already shown their ability to trouble top European sides and their attacking threat means they should still find opportunities away from home.