On July 26, 2025, Bodø/Glimt delivered a breathtaking 7-2 victory over Vålerenga IF in a high-octane Eliteserien clash at Aspmyra Stadion in Bodø, Norway. Played in front of 7,000 fervent fans, the match showcased Bodø/Glimt’s relentless attacking prowess as they dismantled a Vålerenga side that struggled to contain their hosts’ firepower. This electrifying performance solidified Bodø/Glimt’s status as title contenders. Below is a vivid, moment-by-moment account of the game, individual player performances, and a detailed review of both teams’ last five matches, written in simple English to immerse readers in the action.
The game kicked off at 4:00 PM UTC under the bright Arctic sky at Aspmyra Stadion. Bodø/Glimt, in their yellow and black kits, lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under coach Kjetil Knutsen, with Nikita Haikin in goal, defenders Alfons Sampsted, Brede Moe, Odin Luraas Bjørtuft, and Fredrik Bjørkan, midfielders Ulrik Saltnes, Patrick Berg, and Sondre Brunstad Fet, and forwards Kasper Høgh, Jens Hauge, and Hakon Evjen.
Vålerenga, in white and blue, opted for a 4-2-3-1 setup under coach Geir Bakke, featuring Magnus Sjøeng in goal, defenders Sebastian Jarl, Aaron Kiil Olsen, Christian Borchgrevink, and Simen Juklerød, midfielders Fidel Ambina and Elias Hagen, attacking midfielders Daniel Håkans, Filip Thorvaldsen, and Petter Strand, and striker Mees Rijks. Bodø/Glimt aimed to control the ball and attack with pace, while Vålerenga looked to absorb pressure and counter.
The hosts struck early in the 8th minute when Høgh opened the scoring. Berg launched a long pass to Hauge on the left, who sprinted past Borchgrevink and crossed low for Høgh to tap in from six yards, making it 1-0. Bodø/Glimt doubled their lead in the 15th minute after Saltnes intercepted a sloppy pass from Ambina. Saltnes fed Evjen, who curled a stunning 20-yard shot into the top corner, beyond Sjøeng’s reach, for 2-0. Vålerenga hit back in the 20th minute when Håkans swung in a pinpoint cross from the right, and Thorvaldsen rose above Moe to head past Haikin, pulling the score to 2-1 and sparking hope for the visitors.
Bodø/Glimt regained control in the 28th minute with their third goal. Brunstad Fet’s clever through ball found Høgh, who outpaced Olsen, rounded Sjøeng, and slotted home for 3-1. The onslaught continued in the 33rd minute when Bjørkan overlapped on the left and crossed for Hauge, who volleyed into the net from 10 yards, making it 4-1.
Vålerenga’s defense crumbled further in the 40th minute when Jarl fouled Høgh in the box, conceding a penalty. Høgh stepped up and sent Sjøeng the wrong way, completing his hat-trick and giving Bodø/Glimt a 5-1 lead. At halftime, Bodø/Glimt led comfortably, dominating possession and firing seven shots on target to Vålerenga’s two.
The second half saw Bodø/Glimt maintain their intensity. In the 55th minute, substitute Andreas Helmersen, who replaced Evjen at halftime, scored to make it 6-1. Sampsted’s cross from the right found Helmersen, who headed powerfully past Sjøeng. Vålerenga responded in the 65th minute when Moe’s handball in the box led to a penalty.
Rijks converted, blasting the ball past Haikin to make it 6-2. Bodø/Glimt sealed their rout in the 78th minute when substitute Sondre Sørli scored. Berg’s lofted pass split Vålerenga’s defense, and Sørli delicately chipped Sjøeng from a tight angle for 7-2.
In the 82nd minute, Håkans tested Haikin with a fierce long-range shot, but the goalkeeper tipped it over the bar. Bodø/Glimt introduced substitutes Ole Blomberg and Anders Klynge for Høgh and Hauge in the 85th minute to see out the game. In the 90th minute, Thorvaldsen’s header forced a late save from Haikin. The final whistle blew in the 90+3rd minute, confirming Bodø/Glimt’s 7-2 triumph. The Aspmyra crowd erupted, while Vålerenga’s players trudged off, stung by the heavy defeat.
Last Five Matches: Bodø/Glimt and Vålerenga’s Form
Bodø/Glimt entered the match in fine form, carrying momentum from their pre-season and early competitive games. On July 22, 2025, they beat RFS 4-0 in a UEFA Champions League qualifier at Aspmyra Stadion. Høgh scored twice in the 10th and 35th minutes, both from Hauge’s crosses, while Evjen and Berg added goals in the 60th and 80th minutes, with Haikin keeping a clean sheet.
On July 19, they won 3-1 against Odd in the Eliteserien. Hauge scored in the 15th minute from a Berg pass, Helmersen in the 50th minute from a corner, and Sørli in the 75th minute, with Odd scoring late. On July 13, Bodø/Glimt drew 2-2 with Sandefjord. Høgh and Evjen scored in the 20th and 40th minutes, but Sandefjord equalized with two second-half goals.
On July 7, they beat Sarpsborg 08 2-0, with Saltnes and Hauge scoring in the 30th and 65th minutes. On June 28, they won 5-1 against Brann, with Høgh, Hauge, Evjen, Berg, and Sørli all scoring. These results showed Bodø/Glimt’s attacking depth, with 16 goals in five games, though their defense conceded in two matches.
Vålerenga’s form was less consistent, mixing competitive wins with defensive struggles. On July 20, 2025, they won 2-0 against Sandefjord in the Eliteserien at Intility Arena. Thorvaldsen scored in the 25th minute from a Håkans cross, and Rijks added a penalty in the 60th minute. On July 14, they lost 3-1 to Rosenborg. Vålerenga took the lead through Strand in the 20th minute, but Rosenborg scored three times in the second half. On July 7, Vålerenga beat Strømsgodset 2-1, with Håkans scoring in the 30th minute and Rijks in the 70th minute, holding off a late reply. On June 30, they drew 1-1 with Viking, with Thorvaldsen scoring in the 40th minute before Viking equalized. On June 25, they lost 4-2 to Molde, with Rijks and Håkans scoring in the 15th and 50th minutes, but Molde’s late goals exposed Vålerenga’s backline. These games highlighted Vålerenga’s attacking threat but also their defensive frailties, conceding 10 goals in five matches.
Conclusion
Bodø/Glimt’s 7-2 demolition of Vålerenga IF was a statement of their attacking brilliance and title ambitions. Høgh’s hat-trick, Hauge’s flair, and Berg’s playmaking overwhelmed Vålerenga, who fought back with goals from Thorvaldsen and Rijks but collapsed defensively. This thrilling encounter at Aspmyra Stadion showcased Bodø/Glimt’s dominance and set the tone for a thrilling Eliteserien season. The account above brings every moment to life, capturing the excitement for fans and readers.