NEC Nijmegen Aims for Upset Against Bodø/Glimt in Champions League Qualifier
NEC Nijmegen faces a challenging task on Tuesday as they prepare to take on Bodø/Glimt in the decisive leg of their Champions League qualification match. The Eredivisie team trails 3-1 following the first leg against one of the strongest teams in the qualifying rounds. Despite the uphill battle, captain Tjarron Chery and head coach Dick Schreuder remain optimistic about their chances.
In an interview with the media, Schreuder emphasized the need for improvement in their defensive play, stating, “The only thing we need to do is not give away goals too easily like last week and not play into the opponent’s hands with the mistakes we made. We stand a chance precisely when we do what we always do, but do it right.”
Chery echoed this sentiment, saying, “I can tell that everyone is looking forward to it and that we have the faith. We have to show it tomorrow.”
To advance, NEC Nijmegen will need a strong performance, particularly since Bodø/Glimt has proven to be a formidable opponent on home turf. The Norwegian side narrowly overcame Union St Gilloise in the previous round and has a history of defeating major European teams at home. While NEC Nijmegen can still secure a spot in the Europa League if they do not progress, the Champions League remains their primary goal.
NEC Nijmegen certainly have a mountain to climb on Tuesday when they face Bodø/Glimt in the final round of Champions League qualification. The Eredivisie side are 3-1 down after the first leg against one of the best footballing sides left in the qualification phases of the competition. However, speaking to the media ahead of Tuesday’s clash, captain Tjarron Chery and head coach Dick Schreuder are refusing to give up on their Champions League dream.
Schreuder said ‘The only thing we need to do is not give away goals too easily like last week and not play into the opponent’s hands with the mistakes we made. We stand a chance precisely when we do what we always do, but do it right‘.
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Former QPR and Antwerp favourite Chery said ‘I can tell that everyone is looking forward to it and that we have the faith. We have to show it tomorrow‘.
They will certainly have to play well. Bodø/Glimt have shown in past seasons that they are incredibly difficult to beat at home. They narrowly got beyond Union St Gilloise last round, but in the past they have beaten some big European sides at home. NEC Nijmegen can at least look forward to Europa League football if they lose, but the Champions League is clearly the preferred destination.
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