Champions League: Inter Eliminated, Newcastle & Leverkusen Advance

The Champions League playoff stage delivered a seismic shock on Tuesday, as Inter Milan, last season’s finalists, were eliminated by Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt. The Arctic Circle club secured a stunning 2-1 victory at the San Siro, completing a remarkable 5-2 aggregate triumph. Elsewhere, Atlético Madrid, Newcastle United, and Bayer Leverkusen all advanced to the round of 16, setting the stage for a compelling continuation of Europe’s premier club competition.

For Inter, the defeat represents a dramatic fall from grace. Having reached the final last season, the Nerazzurri were heavily favored to progress against Bodø/Glimt, especially after a 3-1 first-leg defeat in Norway. However, Knutsen’s side proved to be a resilient and dangerous opponent, exposing vulnerabilities in the Inter defense. The home side pushed for a comeback, generating numerous chances and corners, but ultimately paid the price for crucial errors at key moments.

The breakthrough for Bodø/Glimt came in the 58th minute, following a mistake in construction by Kanji. Sommer initially saved Blomberg’s shot, but was unable to react to the rebound, which fell to Height for his sixth European goal of the season. The visitors doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute through The River, who finished off a cross from Hauge with a precise right-footed shot. Despite a late consolation goal from Sticks in the 76th minute, Inter were unable to overcome the two-goal deficit.

Bodø/Glimt’s victory is a testament to their tactical discipline and unwavering belief. Having concluded their domestic Eliteserien season in late November, the team has played only five matches – all in the Champions League – since then, demonstrating remarkable focus and conditioning. They will now await Friday’s draw to discover their round of 16 opponent, with Sporting or Manchester City potential contenders.

Newcastle United also secured their place in the last 16, completing a dominant 9-3 aggregate victory over Qarabağ. While the Premier League side had established a significant cushion with a 6-1 win in the first leg, they continued to assert their dominance with a 3-2 victory in the return fixture. Newcastle will face either Barcelona or Chelsea in the next round.

Atlético Madrid progressed with a 7-4 aggregate win over Club Brugge, highlighted by a commanding 4-1 victory in the second leg. Alexander Sørloth notched a hat trick, while USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso scored a spectacular goal, adding to the Spanish side’s attacking prowess. Atléti will meet Liverpool or Tottenham in the round of 16.

Bayer Leverkusen completed the quartet of advancing teams, successfully defending their 2-0 first-leg lead against Olympiacos to eliminate the Greek side. Leverkusen will now face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the next stage of the competition.

The elimination of Inter Milan is undoubtedly the biggest story of the night. Last season’s runners-up, they were widely expected to navigate this playoff tie and mount another deep run in the competition. Their failure to do so raises questions about their form and tactical flexibility. The team finished with 30 shot attempts and seven shots on goal, but only managed to score once, highlighting a frustrating lack of clinical finishing.

Bodø/Glimt’s achievement is a remarkable one, not only for the club but for Norwegian football as a whole. Their victory at the San Siro will be remembered as a historic moment, demonstrating that even teams from smaller leagues can compete with the giants of European football. The team’s success is built on a strong team spirit, tactical intelligence, and a willingness to take risks.

The Champions League round of 16 promises to be a captivating spectacle, with a mix of established powerhouses and emerging contenders. The draw on Friday will determine the matchups, but one thing is certain: the competition is wide open, and any team capable of performing at their best has a chance of lifting the trophy in June.