Bodo/Glimt took a commanding step towards the Champions League league phase after securing an emphatic 3-1 first-leg play-off victory over NEC Nijmegen at the Goffertstadion.
The Norwegian champions took control of the tie with a clinical first-half display, leaving the Dutch hosts with a steep uphill climb ahead of next week's return leg.
Sondre Fet helped provide the visitors with an early foothold before Andreas Helmersen calmly converted from the penalty spot to double their lead before the interval.
Tobias Storm added to the tally in the second half to put the Norwegian side in total command following another incisive attacking sequence.
NEC Nijmegen struggled to break down a well-organised away defence for long spells of the contest despite dominating possession inside the Goffertstadion.
The Dutch outfit eventually mounted a response late on when Dusan Tadic flicked an incisive pass across the box into the path of Clement Bischoff.
Bischoff converted calmly at the far post after a swift breakaway, pulling a goal back for the home side to reduce the aggregate deficit.
Referee François Letexier sounded the full-time whistle to confirm a seventh victory in nine European outings for a ruthless and efficient Bodo/Glimt team.
The teams will meet again next week in the decisive second leg, with Bodo/Glimt firmly in pole position to complete the job and reach the tournament proper.
