Champions hopes shattered: NEC fall 3‑0 in Norway against Bodø/Glimt

Update: 1 min – NEC’s Champions League dream collapsed in Noorwegen as they were beaten 3‑0 by FK Bodø/Glimt, ending their hopes of reaching the group stage after a 1‑3 home loss the previous week and a frantic effort by trainer Dick Schreuder.

The Nijmegenaren entered the return match needing to overturn the 1‑3 deficit suffered at home. Early on, Doelman Gonzalo Crettaz left his goal, handled the ball and received a red card, forcing an immediate reshuffle.

Red card and early goals

With Crettaz sent off, Kaj Sierhuis was withdrawn for Nikolas Polster, who kept the defence busy while the 24‑year‑old Austrian goalkeeper held his line. Yet at the stroke of halftime Fredrik André Bjørkan, a former Feyenoord player, tapped in after a pass from Sondre Auklend, who then added a second goal.

NEC misses Champions League bonus but eyes Europa League points

Half‑time saw NEC trailing 0‑2, and midway through the second half they faced a 1‑5 aggregate deficit. The urgency prompted Schreuder to replace Chery and Nejasmic with defenders Kabar and Nuytinck, but Bodø/Glimt’s attack slowed, allowing NEC brief relief.

In the 73rd minute, a mis‑directed cross from Jens Petter Hauge found Deveron Fonville, whose own‑goal sealed the 3‑0 defeat. The League-droom that had driven the club vanished, leaving NEC to settle for the Europa League.

De trainer now looks ahead to the Europa League draw on Friday, while Bodø/Glimt prepares for a cup tie against Fauske/Sprint in Norway’s fourth tier.