NEC Nijmegen face one final hurdle before reaching the UEFA Champions League league phase for the first time in club history. They'll clash with Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, and the first leg of this tie is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, at the Goffertstadion.

NEC Nijmegen aiming to do history in Europe

NEC Nijmegen were the surprise package in the 2025-26 Eredivisie season, finishing in third place and putting themselves on the verge of a UCL appearance in 2026-27. The Dutch opened the 2026-27 season with a W1, L1 mark in the new Eredivisie campaign, but they bounced back from their season-opening loss to Telstar with a 4-1 victory over Willem II the last time out.

Their European debut in the UCL qualifying phase was a nerve-wracking tie against Olympiacos. After a scoreless draw in Greece and a 1-1 tie on Dutch soil, extra time was needed to decide which team would go through. A game-winning goal from Emre Mor pushed NEC to the next round of Europe's biggest club competition.

NEC Nijmegen predicted lineup vs Bodo/Glimt (3-1-4-2): Crettaz; Storm, Sandler, Fonville; Nejasmic; Ouaissa, Lebreton, Tadic, Bischoff; Emre Mor, Linssen

Bodo/Glimt gunning for another surprise on European stage

It would be an understatement to say Bodo/Glimt turned heads in European football in the 2025-26 season. The Norwegian outfit delivered several shock results in the Champions League and went all the way to the Round of 16, being eliminated by Sporting CP by a 5-3 aggregate. They won 3-0 in Norway but lost 5-0 in Portugal despite forcing extra time.

They have a clear edge compared to NEC in terms of match fitness and experience since the Eliteserien is played throughout the summer. They sit in first place with 41 points in 17 matches, and they own a solid record away from home. They've gone W6, D3 in their last nine away fixtures across all competitions.

Bodo/Glimt predicted lineup vs NEC Nijmegen (4-3-3): Haikin; Sjovold, Bjortuft, Aleesami, Bjorkan; Auklend, Berg, Fet; Blomberg, Brynhildsen, Hauge

NEC Nijmegen vs Bodo/Glimt Prediction

  • Safe Tip: BTTS - Yes
  • Odds: 1.35 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: NEC Nijmegen 2-1 Bodo/Glimt
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 7LM6S

Key stats:

  • The last three competitive matches of NEC Nijmegen have had both teams scoring.
  • Bodo/Glimt's two games against Royale Union SG in the previous qualifying round saw each side score.
  • NEC Nijmegen's previous six home competitive encounters featured BTTS - yes.

NEC Nijmegen's attacking-minded style in their 3-1-4-2 approach leaves plenty of openings on the defensive end, but they also generate constant overlaps in the attack. This should favour an open, back-and-forth game, and their last three matches have seen BTTS.

Back that outcome to happen again in this match. NEC has seen both teams scoring in their last six competitive games at home. It also happened in the two contests Bodo/Glimt played in the previous UCL round versus Royale Union SG.

NEC Nijmegen vs Bodo/Glimt Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: NEC Nijmegen to win
  • Odds: 2.60 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: AGM65

The 2.60 value in this bet shows absolute parity. However, travelling should be a factor working against Bodo/Glimt. The Norwegian side will have to cover nearly 1,900 kms.

Even though Bodo/Glimt have had very good results on the road of late, they might not have enough in them to pull the upset here. Back a home side who have gone undefeated in their last seven at home (W4, D3).

Verdict: BTTS - yes (1.35) — NEC Nijmegen 2-1 Bodo/Glimt