Champions League Shocks: Bodo Glimt Stuns Inter Milan | UCL Results
The Champions League delivered a seismic shock on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, as Bodø/Glimt completed a stunning upset of Inter Milan, advancing to the Round of 16 with a 5-2 aggregate victory. Inter, last season’s Champions League runner-up, fell 2-1 in the second leg at San Siro, compounding their 3-1 defeat in Norway a week prior. The result marks one of the most significant upsets in recent Champions League history.
Norwegian Outsiders Continue Historic Run
Bodø/Glimt’s improbable journey began with victories over Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in earlier stages of the competition, establishing them as a team capable of challenging Europe’s elite. Their location – north of the Arctic Circle – adds another layer to their remarkable story, making them the furthest north any team has ever progressed in the Champions League.
Tuesday’s match saw Inter dominate possession and create numerous chances, finishing with 30 shot attempts and seven on goal. However, Bodø/Glimt’s clinical finishing and defensive resilience proved decisive. Jens Petter Hauge opened the scoring in the 58th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Manuel Akanji. Håkon Evjen then doubled the lead with a spectacular strike in the 72nd minute, effectively ending Inter’s hopes of a comeback.
Alessandro Bastoni managed to pull one back for Inter in the 76th minute, but it proved to be a consolation goal. Bodø/Glimt’s goalkeeper, Nikita Haikin, was kept busy throughout the match, but ultimately proved impenetrable.
Inter’s Struggles and Bodø/Glimt’s Tactical Prowess
Inter Milan entered the tie as heavy favorites, leading Serie A and seeking a seventh straight win in all competitions. However, they were undone by Bodø/Glimt’s quick passing, unselfish assists, and clinical finishing, qualities that were also evident in the first leg. The Norwegian side’s ability to exploit Inter’s defensive vulnerabilities proved to be the key to their success.
The first leg, played on , saw Bodø/Glimt secure a 3-1 victory, with goals from Sondre Brunstad Fet, Jens Petter Hauge, and Kasper Høgh. Pio Esposito scored the lone goal for Inter. Høgh, after scoring in that first leg, expressed his delight, stating, “I feel amazing, just thankful to play with this team. I’m happy that I could help the team by making assists and scoring a goal. I play in a good team, so that’s nice.”
Looking Ahead: Round of 16 Draw
Bodø/Glimt’s victory secures their place in the Round of 16, where they will face either Manchester City or Sporting CP. Their previous victory over Manchester City at home will undoubtedly give them confidence, but they will face a formidable challenge regardless of their opponent. The draw is scheduled for Friday, and the anticipation is already building.
For Inter Milan, the defeat represents a significant setback. As last year’s Champions League runner-up, expectations were high for Simone Inzaghi’s side. Their elimination raises questions about their ability to compete at the highest level and will likely prompt a period of introspection, and analysis.
Other Champions League Results
Elsewhere in the Champions League playoff round, Newcastle United comfortably advanced with a 9-3 aggregate win over Qarabağ, while Atlético Madrid secured their place in the next round with a 7-4 aggregate victory over Club Brugge, featuring a hat trick from Alexander Sørloth and a goal from USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso. Bayer Leverkusen also progressed, defeating Olympiacos to set up a clash with either Arsenal or Bayern Munich.
Bodø/Glimt’s success is a testament to the growing competitiveness of European football and the ability of smaller clubs to challenge the established order. Their journey is a captivating story of ambition, tactical intelligence, and unwavering belief, and their presence in the Round of 16 will undoubtedly add another layer of excitement to the competition.
The club, which has played only five matches since the end of the Norwegian Eliteserien in late November, has demonstrated remarkable stamina and focus throughout their Champions League campaign. Their ability to maintain peak performance during the off-season is a testament to their professionalism and dedication.