MILAN, Italy – In a stunning upset that reverberated through the world of European football, Bodo/Glimt, a team hailing from Norway’s northern reaches, eliminated Italian giants Inter Milan from the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. The Norwegian side secured a 2-1 victory at the San Siro, completing a remarkable 5-2 aggregate win in the knockout round playoffs. This historic achievement marks the first time a Norwegian team has ever advanced to the Champions League round of 16.
The improbable run of Bodo/Glimt, a club that entered the Champions League as relative unknowns, has captivated fans and analysts alike. Their journey included victories against Manchester City and Atlético Madrid during the league phase, but overcoming a team of Inter Milan’s stature – last year’s Champions League finalists – represents their most significant triumph to date. The victory is a testament to the growing competitiveness of football outside of Europe’s traditional powerhouses.
Bodo/Glimt Stuns Inter Milan at the San Siro
The match at the San Siro saw Bodo/Glimt take the lead through Jens Petter Hauge in the 58th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Inter. Hakon Evjen then doubled the lead in the 72nd minute, effectively sealing Inter’s fate. Alessandro Bastoni managed to pull one back for Inter in the 76th minute, but it proved to be a consolation goal as Bodo/Glimt held on for a historic win. The aggregate score of 5-2 underscores the completeness of the upset.
“Can you believe it?” exclaimed Bodo/Glimt coach Kjetil Knutsen after the match, as reported by ESPN. “A team from a small town up north. It’s unbelievable.” The coach’s words encapsulate the sheer astonishment surrounding the team’s success. The victory is not just a win for Bodo/Glimt, but a source of pride for Norwegian football and a symbol of what can be achieved with determination and tactical acumen.
Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella expressed his disappointment after the game, stating, “We’re disappointed. We want to go as far as possible in every competition. We tried, but they were better than us.” Barella’s candid assessment highlights the fact that Bodo/Glimt deserved their victory, outplaying Inter over both legs of the playoff tie.
A Whirlwind Few Weeks for the Norwegian Underdogs
Bodo/Glimt’s ascent to Champions League prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. According to ESPN, by the start of January 2026, the team had yet to secure a single win in the Champions League. Yet, a remarkable sequence of results followed, culminating in their victory over Inter Milan. This rapid transformation has established Bodo/Glimt as a force to be reckoned with in European football.
The team’s success is particularly noteworthy given their relatively modest resources compared to the established giants of the Champions League. Their ability to consistently outperform more financially powerful opponents speaks volumes about their tactical flexibility, team spirit and the quality of their players. Jens Petter Hauge, the match-winner at the San Siro, previously played for AC Milan, adding another layer of intrigue to the story.
Champions League Round of 16 Awaits
Bodo/Glimt’s reward for their historic victory is a place in the Champions League round of 16. They will face either Manchester City, whom they have already defeated in the group stage, or Sporting CP in the next round. The prospect of facing Manchester City again will undoubtedly be a motivating factor for the Norwegian side, offering them a chance to prove that their earlier victory was no fluke.
The upset has sent shockwaves through the Champions League landscape. As CBS Sports Golazo noted on X (formerly Twitter), Jens Petter Hauge took advantage of a mistake by Jan Sommer to put Bodo/Glimt in control.
BODØ/GLIMT STUN THE SAN SIRO 💥
Former AC Milan striker Jens Petter Hauge cashes in on a gift of a mistake from Manuel Akanji to put the Norwegian side in total control 😨 pic.twitter.com/UoQUjDwz1q— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 24, 2026
Other Champions League Results
Alongside Bodo/Glimt’s stunning victory, other teams also secured their places in the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday. Atlético Madrid, led by a hat-trick from Alexander Sorloth, eliminated Brugge. Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen also progressed to the next stage of the competition. These results highlight the increasing competitiveness of the Champions League, with several teams challenging the traditional dominance of clubs from England, Spain, and Germany.
According to CBS Sports, Alexander Sorloth was the star of the show for Atlético Madrid, scoring three goals to secure their passage to the round of 16. The Norwegian striker’s performance underscored his importance to the Spanish club’s attacking lineup. Johnny Cardoso also scored for Atlético Madrid, further solidifying their victory.
Looking Ahead
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AS Monaco are scheduled to play their Champions League playoff return leg on Wednesday, February 26, 2026. The outcome of this match will determine the final two teams to qualify for the round of 16. The Champions League continues to deliver drama and excitement, with each match offering a unique storyline and a chance for teams to etch their names into football history.
In other news, Guillaume Gille has stepped down from his position as the head coach of the French handball team. While this development is unrelated to the Champions League, it highlights the dynamic nature of the world of sports, where coaching changes are often a sign of teams seeking to revitalize their performance.
Bodo/Glimt’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to clubs around the world, demonstrating that with belief, tactical intelligence, and unwavering determination, even the most improbable dreams can be realized. Their next challenge in the round of 16 will be closely watched by football fans globally, as they attempt to continue their fairytale run in the Champions League.
The Champions League draw for the round of 16 will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026, where Bodo/Glimt will learn their opponent. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of the Champions League and other major sporting events. We encourage you to share your thoughts on Bodo/Glimt’s incredible achievement in the comments below.