Ahead of the Champions League draw on Friday morning (local time), Man City could face three teams: Bodo/Glimt, or the winner of the Benfica vs Real Madrid tie. If Man City is to dread getting any of those teams, it would be Bodo/Glimt.
Bodo/Glimt are on fire right now. They progressed through to the Round of 16 courtesy of not just beating Inter Milan, but handing it to them. The Norwegian team made the on-loan Manuel Akanji look like a fool, and they didn’t come this far to only come this far.
While many point at Real Madrid as being Real Madrid’s biggest opponent, they mustn’t forget that Bodo/Glimt is arguably more dangerous than Real Madrid right now.
Man City’s nightmare Champions League draw isn’t even Real Madrid
Let’s say the quiet part out loud: Real Madrid isn’t even in the Round of 16 yet. They’re only ahead by one goal against Benfica, and we all saw in the league phase how they’re susceptible to Jose Mourinho’s relentless charge.
Even if Real Madrid makes it through, they will be fatigued. They are the biggest team in the competition’s history, so they’re definitely not to be undermined, but there is a growing feeling that there’s never been a better time to face Real Madrid.
Bodo/Glimt, on the other hand, is everything that Pep Guardiola loves… Which ultimately means it’s everything he hates facing.
They are one of the finest examples in the world right now of doing the little things right. They’re just as good out of possession as they are in possession, which would make even Man City struggle to break them down on the big stage.
There are the tactics, but there are also the climate concerns for Man City if they drew Bodo/Glimt. Through no fault of their own, the Norwegian side plays on a different playing field to teams in other parts of Europe.
Bodo/Glimt has a versatile setup. This is part of the reason why they’re exceptional at facing big sides, and they won’t negate away from that if they were to draw Man City this Friday.
Regardless, Bodo/Glimt’s main attributes come from how quick they are to counter-attack. This has harmed a few teams already this season, and it’s something that Pep Guardiola would need to anticipate if he does face Bodo/Glimt.
There is no easy tie in the Champions League, and Man City might learn that the hard way if they underestimate Bodo/Glimt.