FK Bodø/Glimt have secured their spot in the Champions League after defeating NEC 3-0 in their play-off match. NEC came close to reaching the Champions League, but were ultimately eliminated after being reduced to ten men following a red card for their goalkeeper, Gonzalo Crattaz, after just three minutes. Despite this, Knutsen praised NEC's performance, describing it as "knappe" (impressive). He believes his team was deserving of a Champions League spot and has wished NEC good luck in the Europa League. The strongest verified fact is that NEC came close to reaching the Champions League, but ultimately fell short.