MILAN, Italy – In a stunning upset that reverberates through the UEFA Champions League, Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt has eliminated Italian giants Inter Milan, securing their place in the competition’s knockout stages. The victory, confirmed with a 2-1 win at the San Siro on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, completes a remarkable 5-2 aggregate triumph for the team hailing from a town north of the Arctic Circle. This marks the first time a Norwegian team has ever reached the Champions League round of 16, a testament to Bodø/Glimt’s improbable and captivating run.
The improbable journey of Bodø/Glimt, a club whose home stadium holds just 8,270 spectators, has been the defining story of this Champions League season. Having already stunned established European powerhouses like Atlético Madrid and Manchester City during the league phase, their defeat of last year’s Champions League finalist, Inter Milan, represents their most significant achievement to date. The club’s success is a remarkable story of tactical brilliance, unwavering team spirit, and a refusal to be intimidated by the scale of their opponents.
A Norwegian Triumph in Milan
The match at the San Siro saw Bodø/Glimt take the lead through Jens Petter Hauge in the 58th minute, igniting hopes of completing the upset. Hakon Evjen doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute, pushing Inter Milan to the brink. While Alessandro Bastoni managed to pull a goal back for the home side in the 76th minute with a header following a corner kick, it proved to be too little, too late. The final whistle confirmed Bodø/Glimt’s historic victory, sending shockwaves across the footballing world.
As detailed in ESPN’s match report, the aggregate score of 5-2 underscores the completeness of Bodø/Glimt’s victory. ESPN highlighted the significance of the win, noting it as one of the biggest upsets in Champions League history. Bodø/Glimt coach Kjetil Knutsen, visibly elated after the match, expressed his disbelief, stating, “Can you believe it? A team from a slight town up north. It’s unbelievable.”
🇳🇴🟡 Bodø/Glimt are having a SPECIAL season in the Champions League! 👏 Reminder: the capacity of their stadium is just 8,270, which is based north of the Arctic Circle.
They’ve beaten Atleti and Man City, now they’ve knocked Inter out of the competition. INCREDIBLE. pic.twitter.com/4ZQ8v0FJPl— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) February 24, 2026
Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen Also Advance
Bodø/Glimt wasn’t the only team celebrating advancement to the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday. Newcastle United secured their spot with a 3-2 victory over Qarabag, completing a dominant 9-3 aggregate win. Sandro Tonali and Joelinton de Lira gave Newcastle an early 2-0 lead within the first six minutes of the match. While Qarabag responded with goals from Kamilo Durans and Elvin Jafargulijevs, Svens Botmans restored Newcastle’s advantage, ultimately sealing their progression. Delfi reported on these concurrent results, highlighting the broader picture of the Champions League knockout stage taking shape.
Bayer Leverkusen also progressed, drawing 0-0 with Olympiacos to secure a 2-0 aggregate victory. These results, alongside Bodø/Glimt’s stunning win, demonstrate the increasing competitiveness and unpredictability of European football’s premier club competition.
The Context of Bodø/Glimt’s Rise
Bodø/Glimt’s success is particularly noteworthy given their relatively recent emergence on the European stage. Prior to this season, the club was largely unknown outside of Norway. Their journey to the Champions League knockout stages is a testament to their astute scouting, innovative tactics, and a strong team ethos. The club’s ability to consistently outperform expectations has captivated fans and analysts alike.
The club’s home ground, located north of the Arctic Circle, adds to the romanticism of their story. Playing in challenging weather conditions and with limited resources, Bodø/Glimt has defied the odds at every turn. Their success serves as an inspiration to smaller clubs across Europe, demonstrating that ambition, dedication, and tactical intelligence can overcome financial disparities.
Looking Ahead: The Round of 16
Bodø/Glimt now awaits their opponent in the round of 16, with potential matchups against Manchester City or Sporting CP. The draw will take place on [Date of Draw – to be confirmed by UEFA], and the anticipation is already building. Regardless of their opponent, Bodø/Glimt will undoubtedly approach the tie with the same fearless attitude that has defined their campaign thus far.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, will be left to reflect on their unexpected exit. The defeat is a significant setback for the Italian club, who were considered strong contenders for the Champions League title. Manager Simone Inzaghi will face scrutiny in the coming days as he seeks to understand where the campaign went wrong. Jauns.lv noted the shock felt throughout Italy following the result.
Key Takeaways
- Bodø/Glimt has become the first Norwegian team to reach the Champions League round of 16.
- The club defeated Inter Milan 5-2 on aggregate, a major upset in the competition.
- Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen also advanced to the knockout stages on Tuesday.
- Bodø/Glimt’s success is a testament to their tactical brilliance and team spirit.
The Champions League continues to deliver drama and excitement, and Bodø/Glimt’s story is undoubtedly one of the most compelling narratives of the season. The club’s journey is a reminder that in football, anything is possible. The next confirmed date for the competition is the round of 16 draw, scheduled for [Date of Draw – to be confirmed by UEFA].
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