The Champions League Round of 16 picture is taking shape after a dramatic first leg of playoff matches on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. In a stunning upset, Bodø/Glimt of Norway defeated last season’s Champions League runner-up, Inter Milan, 3-1, while Newcastle United delivered a dominant performance, thrashing Qarabag 6-1. Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen secured a 2-0 advantage over Olympiacos, and Atlético Madrid played to a 3-3 draw with Club Brugge. These results set the stage for compelling return legs next week, with several teams facing uphill battles to reach the group stage.
The biggest shock of the night undoubtedly came in Norway, where Bodø/Glimt continued its remarkable run in the competition. Having already overcome Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in the group stage, the Norwegian side added Inter Milan to their list of scalped European giants. Sondre Fet opened the scoring for Bodø/Glimt in the 20th minute, but Francesco Pio Esposito quickly leveled the score for Inter before halftime. However, the home side surged ahead in the second half with goals from Jens Petter Hauge in the 61st minute and Kasper Høgh just three minutes later, securing a significant advantage heading into the second leg in Milan. This victory underscores Bodø/Glimt’s growing reputation as a formidable underdog in European football.
Newcastle’s Gordon Nets Four in Dominant Display
At the Baku Olympic Stadium, Newcastle United showcased their attacking prowess with a resounding 6-1 victory over Qarabag. Anthony Gordon stole the show, becoming only the second player in Champions League history to score four goals in the first half of a match, a feat previously achieved by Luiz Adriano of Shakhtar Donetsk in 2014. According to Yahoo Sports, Gordon opened the scoring in the 3rd minute and added another header in the 9th minute, courtesy of a Thiaw assist. He then converted two penalties, in the 32nd and 45+1 minutes, completing his first-half haul. Murphy added another goal in the 72nd minute to complete the rout. With 10 goals in the current Champions League season, Gordon now trails only Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid (13 goals) in the race for the Golden Boot.
Leverkusen and Atlético Secure First-Leg Advantages
In Greece, Bayer Leverkusen demonstrated their attacking efficiency with a 2-0 win over Olympiacos. Victor Boniface, who has been in excellent form this season, was instrumental in setting up Patrik Schick for both goals. Schick found the back of the net in the 60th and 63rd minutes, giving Leverkusen a comfortable lead to take back to Germany. ESPN reports that this was Schick’s first two-goal game since November, adding to his impressive tally of four Champions League goals this season.
Meanwhile, at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges, Atlético Madrid and Club Brugge engaged in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Atlético took a 2-0 lead into halftime thanks to goals from Álvaro Morata and Antoine Griezmann, but Brugge mounted a spirited comeback in the second half. Goals from Hans Vanaken, Hugo Tresoldi, and a late strike from Tzolis secured a draw for the Belgian side, leaving the tie wide open for the return leg in Madrid. Atlético Madrid has struggled on Belgian soil, remaining winless in seven European matches played in Belgium.
Bodø/Glimt’s Unlikely Champions League Journey
Bodø/Glimt’s success in this season’s Champions League has been nothing short of remarkable. The Norwegian club, hailing from a relatively tiny footballing nation, has consistently defied expectations, overcoming much larger and more established opponents. Their victories over Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in the group stage already signaled their potential, and now, with a win over Inter Milan, they have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. The team’s captain, Kasper Høgh, has been a key figure in their success, contributing both goals, and assists. Høgh expressed his delight after the match, 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.”
Newcastle’s Ruthless Efficiency
Newcastle’s performance against Qarabag was a display of ruthless efficiency. Gordon’s four-goal haul was the highlight, but the team’s overall dominance was evident throughout the match. The Azerbaijani side struggled to contain Newcastle’s attacking threat, and the English club capitalized on their opportunities with clinical precision. Qarabag’s first shot on target didn’t come until the 55th minute, highlighting Newcastle’s control of the game. The 6-1 scoreline mirrored their earlier 6-0 victory over Liverpool in the group stage, demonstrating their ability to dismantle opponents with ease.
Looking Ahead to the Second Legs
The second legs of these playoff ties are scheduled to take place next week, promising a thrilling conclusion to the battle for a place in the Champions League Round of 16. Inter Milan will need to produce a strong performance at home to overcome their 3-1 deficit against Bodø/Glimt. Newcastle United, with a commanding 6-1 lead, are firm favorites to progress against Qarabag, even though they will need to remain focused and avoid complacency. Bayer Leverkusen will look to consolidate their advantage when they host Olympiacos, while Atlético Madrid will aim to secure their place in the next round when they travel to Brugge.
The Champions League continues to deliver captivating moments and unexpected twists, and these playoff matches have certainly lived up to the hype. The competition is wide open, and with several exciting ties still to be decided, fans can expect more drama and excitement in the weeks to come.
The return legs will undoubtedly be fiercely contested, with each team vying for a coveted spot in the Champions League knockout stages. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as the competition progresses.
Key Takeaways:
- Bodø/Glimt stunned Inter Milan with a 3-1 victory in Norway.
- Anthony Gordon scored four goals as Newcastle United thrashed Qarabag 6-1.
- Bayer Leverkusen secured a 2-0 win over Olympiacos, thanks to a brace from Patrik Schick.
- Atlético Madrid and Club Brugge played to a thrilling 3-3 draw.
The second legs of these ties will be played next week, determining which teams will advance to the Round of 16. Be sure to check back for updates and analysis as the Champions League drama unfolds. Share your thoughts on these results in the comments below!