"Love when big teams visit", "Perfect"; Bodo/Glimt supporters react to Celtic draw

By John McGinley

December 13, 2021

Celtic have been drawn against Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt in the Europa Conference League knockout round this afternoon.

Celtic will host the first leg at Celtic Park on 17th February before a cold visit to Norway one week later.

It’s an exciting tie with both teams stylistically well-matched for each other. I’m expecting an open 180 minutes, much like the fixtures against Real Betis and Bayer Leverkusen.

Bodo/Glimt may not be quite at the level of those two sides at their best, but given they thrashed Roma earlier this season and finished just a point behind them in the Conference group, they aren’t easy opposition by any means.

It also plays into Celtic’s hands that Bodo/Glimt will be in the Norwegian off-season when the match comes around, with their 2021 season now finished.

Star players for them include Norwegian international Patrick Berg and emerging youngster Erik Botheim. With a January transfer window between now and February and their season now finished, will they be able to keep a hold of top performers?

Bodo/Glimt have a comparatively small fanbase compared to Celtic and play in a stadium with a capacity of just 5,635. So tickets will be at a premium for travelling Bhoys.

Unfortunately, it appears they also play on an artificial surface which, for me, is never ideal.

The Norwegian outfit may well see this as a glamour tie, which is certainly the impression I am getting from their online supporters this afternoon.

A quick look at translated tweets below in response to the draw shows a warm reception, both in terms of the size of the draw, perfect travelling distance and a competitive fixture.

Bring it on!…

@stignordkil: “Sure, it was wanted.”
@budweisa: “I have the impression that we drew the team most hoped for. The perfect combination of attractiveness and affordability.”
@tvtregen: “Celtic unlucky with the draw.”
@KBorkamo: “Fantastic draw. Love when big teams come to Bodø.”
@IngeGr76: “They know the road to Norway very well.”
@MediaGL1: “Stadio Olimpico did not frighten us.”

In other news, Japanese Report: Celtic reach agreement with Kawasaki Frontale for Reo Hatate.