Bodø/Glimt vs Sturm Graz: Champions League Qualification Prediction (20.08.2025)

On August 20, 2025, at 19:00 UTC, the first leg of the Champions League Qualification Final will take place between Bodø/Glimt and Sturm Graz. Both teams bypassed the earlier stages and went directly into the final qualification round. Bookmakers consider the hosts as favorites. Let’s review the teams’ current form and give a prediction for this match.

Bodø/Glimt

Bodø/Glimt are in excellent form. The team leads the Norwegian league after 19 rounds. In their last away match, they crushed Strømsgodset with a 5–0 victory. At home, their record is even better, with an average of 2.7 goals per game.

Their home stadium is a true fortress. Last season, this was especially evident when Bodø/Glimt reached the Europa League semifinals, losing only to the eventual winners Tottenham. Before that, they had eliminated Lazio, Olympiacos, and Twente. Playing above the Arctic Circle is always difficult for visitors due to the harsh climate and artificial turf, conditions that guests need time to adapt to.

Sturm Graz

Jürgen Seumel’s team started the season as the reigning Austrian champions. However, there isn’t much else to boast about. Sturm Graz competed in the Champions League group stage but failed to reach the playoffs, losing 6 of 8 matches.

This season has not begun smoothly either. They opened with a 2–0 win over LASK, but in the very next round suffered a setback, losing 1–2 at home to Rapid.

For the upcoming clash, the team faces a long trip to the Arctic Circle, where the weather is far from pleasant even in summer. Recently in Bodø, it has been consistently rainy, with average temperatures ranging between 9–11°C, and the same conditions are expected during the match.

Head-to-Head Statistics

There are no previous head-to-head encounters. This will be the first meeting between the teams.

Prediction

In the match Bodø/Glimt vs Sturm Graz, the prediction favors the hosts. The Norwegian side traditionally performs strongly at home, where even big-name rivals often struggle. The home advantage could prove decisive again.

For Sturm Graz, this trip will be a serious challenge. They may well return home after a defeat, though a large scoreline difference is unlikely. Suggested bet: Sturm Graz +1.5 handicap at odds of 1.54.