Bodø/Glimt’s remarkable UEFA Champions League journey came to an end after Sporting CP staged a stunning comeback from a three-goal first-leg deficit, winning in extra time to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.
The Norwegian side had been one of the standout stories of the tournament, becoming the first team from their country to reach the knockout stage on their debut campaign, even eliminating last season’s finalists Inter Milan in the play-offs.
They looked set to continue their fairytale after securing a 3-0 advantage in the first leg, but faced a much tougher challenge away in Portugal.
Sporting dominated early on, creating numerous chances before Gonçalo Inácio broke the deadlock with a header.
Bodø/Glimt spent much of the first half under pressure but nearly struck through Odin Bjørtuft, whose header hit the woodwork from a corner.
The hosts intensified their push, and Luis Suárez set up Pedro Gonçalves to score, bringing Sporting within one goal of levelling the tie.
Relentless pressure followed, and Sporting eventually drew level on aggregate when Suárez calmly converted a penalty after Fredrik Bjørkan was penalised for handball following a VAR review.
Sporting continued to press for a winner in regulation time, with Nuno Santos striking the post from distance.
In extra time, Maxi Araújo fired Sporting ahead on aggregate in the 92nd minute, before Rafael Nel sealed the dramatic comeback with a late goal.
The result brought an end to Bodø/Glimt’s historic and memorable Champions League run.
