There are some European nights that are just different. They’re not just about tactics or talent; they’re about grit, resilience, and battling the elements. That's exactly what we saw on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, when Juventus traveled to the Arctic Circle for a massive showdown with Bodo/Glimt. This was a night of truth, a match where points were absolutely essential to stay in the hunt for Champions League glory.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Juventus secured a crucial 3-2 away win against Bodo/Glimt in a five-goal thriller.
- ✓ The match took place in the challenging conditions of the Arctic Circle, with snow and biting cold.
- ✓ The victory keeps the Bianconeri firmly in the race for qualification to the next round of the Champions League.
- ✓ A special night for Kenan Yildiz, who celebrated his landmark 100th appearance for the club.
- ✓ Coach Luciano Spalletti's tactical choices paid off, with a 3-4-2-1 formation led by striker Openda.
Braving the North: Spalletti's Squad for a Crucial Clash
Heading into the game, the tension was palpable. The trip itself was described as "troubled," a long journey into a landscape of snow and freezing temperatures. You have to imagine the preparation that goes into a match like this—it's a world away from a sunny afternoon in Turin. Coach Luciano Spalletti knew exactly what his team was up against and named a squad equipped for a fight.
The official list had a solid mix of experience and youthful energy. We saw familiar names like Mattia Perin in goal, the midfield engine of Manuel Locatelli, and Weston McKennie, alongside the firepower of Dušan Vlahović and Kenan Yildiz. The full squad list was packed with talent, a clear signal of intent from Spalletti that nothing less than three points would do.
Here's the full group of players called up for the challenge: Perin, Locatelli, Kelly, Conceicao, Koopmeiners, Vlahovic, Yildiz, Zhegrova, Kalulu, Di Gregorio, Adzic, Kostic, Thuram, Openda, Miretti, McKennie, Joao Mario, Cambiaso, David, Cabal, Rouhi, and Fuscaldo. It was a deep squad, and every single one of them would need to be ready for what was announced as a very difficult away match.
A Five-Goal Thriller in the Freezing Cold
When the whistle blew for kick-off at 21:00 CET, it was all about the football. And what a game it turned out to be. The final scoreline tells you everything you need to know about the drama: Bodo/Glimt 2, Juventus 3. It was a nail-biter, a game where Juventus had to dig incredibly deep to come away with what the club later called "three big Bianconeri points."
Spalletti sent his team out in a flexible 3-4-2-1 formation. Perin started between the posts, shielded by a defensive trio of Pierre Kalulu, Lloyd Kelly, and Teun Koopmeiners—an interesting use of the versatile Dutchman. The width was provided by Andrea Cambiaso and Weston McKennie, with Manuel Locatelli and Vasilije Adzic holding down the center of the park. Up front, Francisco Conceição and Fabio Miretti played in creative roles just behind the main striker, Loïs Openda.
The hosts, Bodo/Glimt, lined up in their usual attacking 4-3-3, clearly not intimidated by their Italian visitors. With players like Berg marshalling the midfield and Høgh leading the line, they were always going to be a threat. The fact that they managed to score two goals proves just how much of a fight they put up. It was a constant struggle for Juventus, but in the end, their quality and determination saw them edge the contest.
Yildiz's Century and What It Means
Amidst the drama of the match, there was a huge personal milestone to celebrate. The game marked the 100th official appearance for Kenan Yildiz in a Juventus shirt. What an incredible achievement for the young star! Reaching a century of games for a club of Juve's stature is a massive deal and speaks volumes about his talent, consistency, and the trust the management has in him.
Although he was named in the squad, the starting XI gave others a chance to shine, with Openda tasked with leading the attack. This decision highlights the depth Spalletti has at his disposal. Having players like Vlahovic and Yildiz as options allows the coach to rotate and keep the team fresh, which is absolutely vital when you're competing on multiple fronts, especially during a packed European week.
The lineup also showed tactical flexibility. Using Koopmeiners, typically a midfielder, in the back three was a smart move to help with ball progression against a high-pressing Bodo/Glimt team. Meanwhile, the energy of McKennie and Cambiaso on the flanks would have been crucial in both defending and launching quick attacks in the tough, snowy conditions.
The Bigger Picture: A Huge Night for Italian Clubs
This wasn't just a big night for Juventus; it was a successful one for Italian football in general. While the Bianconeri were battling it out in Norway, Napoli were also in action, facing Qarabag at home. Antonio Conte's side also got the job done, securing a solid 2-0 victory at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. It was a night where both Italian teams were "obliged to earn points," and both delivered under pressure.
For Juventus, these three points are more than just a number on the table. They represent a massive step forward in their quest for knockout stage qualification. Winning a complicated away match like this, against a tough opponent and in even tougher conditions, builds incredible momentum and belief within the squad. It’s the kind of victory that can define a season, proving the team has the character to overcome any obstacle thrown its way.
Conclusion
So, what’s the bottom line? This was a gritty, hard-earned, and absolutely vital win for Juventus. They traveled to one of the toughest away grounds in Europe, faced freezing temperatures and a determined opponent, and came away with a thrilling 3-2 victory. It was a night of high drama, a significant milestone for Kenan Yildiz, and a huge boost for their Champions League ambitions. This wasn't pretty, but it was powerful, and it's these kinds of wins that champions are made of.
