BODO — After four victories in their last four UEFA Champions League matches, including wins over Manchester City (3-1 in Norway), Atlético de Madrid (2-1 in Spain), and Inter (3-1 at home and 2-1 in Italy in the playoff), Bodo/Glimt has established itself not only as a sensation in the competition but also as a threat on the field to any opponent. In Norway, some have already started to consider the home team as the favorite to advance to the quarter-finals, meaning they have an advantage in the battle against Sporting in the round of 16 — the first leg this Wednesday, and the second leg next Tuesday in Alvalade. However, defender Odin Bjortuft warns against the dangers of this thinking. "We notice that people think we are favorites, but among us, we don’t feel that way… People are not evaluating Sporting's qualities well, which is a great opponent. But of course, we are very eager to pass this test," said the 27-year-old defender at the pre-match press conference with the Lions, adding: "We want to do what we have been doing this year; we hope the result is good. We are doing well, we have been doing well…" Bjortuft quickly pointed out Sporting's strengths: "They are an offensive team that presses; we don’t know how it will be, but the focus is on us, and we will see what happens. They have aggressive players up front who are good with the ball, looking for spaces behind; it’s a challenge for us." The fact that Sporting traveled a day earlier than usual for an away game in European competitions did not go unnoticed… "It’s a sign that they take us seriously, and we want to be well-prepared, and they are not taking it lightly coming here."
Sporting Manchester City remains central to this story.
Sporting Manchester City remains central to this story.
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