Bodø/Glimt delivered a commanding performance to defeat NEC 3-1 in their UEFA Champions League encounter, with Dusan Tadić pulling the strings in a display of creative dominance. The Serbian playmaker registered six key passes, dictating the tempo and carving open the Dutch side's defence throughout the evening.

The Norwegian visitors controlled proceedings from the outset, translating their territorial advantage into a three-goal haul that left NEC chasing shadows for large periods. While the hosts managed a consolation strike, the gulf in quality and execution was evident as Bodø/Glimt's attacking quartet of Tadić, Jens Petter Hauge, and Clement Bischoff combined to devastating effect.

Hauge and Bischoff each contributed four key passes, forming a creative trident with Tadić that repeatedly exposed gaps in NEC's defensive structure. The trio's movement and vision overwhelmed the hosts, who struggled to contain the intricate passing patterns and intelligent off-the-ball runs that characterised Glimt's approach play.

At the back, NEC defender Haitam Aleesami fought a losing battle despite a heroic individual effort. The left-back made 14 clearances in a frantic defensive display, repeatedly throwing himself into the breach as wave after wave of Norwegian attacks threatened to turn the defeat into a rout. His commitment offered a silver lining on an otherwise difficult night for the Nijmegen-based club.

The result maintains Bodø/Glimt's impressive European pedigree and underlines their growing reputation as a side capable of competing at the highest level. For NEC, the margin of defeat will sting, but the performance gap highlighted areas requiring attention if they are to make a deeper impact in continental competition. Tadić's orchestration and Aleesami's rearguard resilience told contrasting stories of a match that ultimately belonged to the visitors.