Champions League qualifier in Ostend ends 3-3 between Union and Bodø/Glimt

The first leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League between Union and Bodø/Glimt ended in a 3-3 draw. More than 5,000 supporters at the KVDO Arena in Ostend witnessed a cagey opening to the match. However, in the 19th minute, Berg opened the scoring for the Norwegian side with a free kick.

Union responded immediately. Five minutes later, Raul fired home a loose ball following a corner to level the score. But another five minutes later, Union conceded a soft penalty after a foul by Mac Allister. Blomberg converted from the spot to restore Bodø/Glimt's lead (1-2).

Union then took control of the game. Fuseini came close on two occasions: one effort drifted wide, while the Bodø goalkeeper produced an excellent save to deny him the second time. Just before half-time, however, Union found their equaliser. Guilherme surged down the left wing and delivered a cross, which Raul brilliantly volleyed home to make it 2-2.

The second half began in similarly cautious fashion, with few openings for either side. After 55 minutes, Rodriguez made his first appearance since the World Cup, replacing Raul up front. Zeneli and Havenaar also came on for Olaru and Sykes, while David and Niang later replaced Fuseini and Guilherme.

Late in the game, David looked to have secured victory for the home side with a fine finish into the near corner. However, deep into stoppage time, Bjørtuft headed home from a free kick to make it 3-3, leaving everything to play for in the return leg in Norway.