Key Takeaways:
- Bodo/Glimt secured a 2-1 victory over Inter in the second leg, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate win in the Champions League play-off
- The Norwegian side became the first from their nation to advance from a Champions League knockout round since 1987
- Jens Petter Hauge recorded a goal and assist for Bodo/Glimt at San Siro
Match Analysis: A Night to Remember in Milan
Bodo/Glimt pulled off one of the most remarkable results in UEFA Champions League history by defeating three-time European champions Inter at San Siro. Their 2-1 success in the return leg, combined with a 5-2 aggregate advantage, sends them through the tournament’s first knockout round – a feat no Norwegian club has achieved since 1987.
The famous Milanese ground, which had recently hosted the Winter Olympics’ opening ceremony, was once again the stage for high drama. With the tie delicately poised, Inter faced a daunting challenge: they needed to overturn a three-goal deficit, something they had never achieved in a Champions League knockout encounter.
VI KLARTE DET!!! pic.twitter.com/NlMmhx8PeG
— FK Bodø/Glimt (@Glimt) February 24, 2026
First Half: Inter Dominate but Fail to Break Through
From the opening minutes, the Serie A leaders signalled their intent. In the third minute, Federico Dimarco delivered a lofted cross into the box, met by Sebastiano Esposito whose header flew just over the target. Inter continued to pile on the pressure, with Davide Frattesi forcing a fine save from Nikita Haikin and Dimarco seeing his sharp strike tipped over by the alert Bodo goalkeeper.
The Norwegian side’s defence was tested further when Frattesi’s flicked header from the ensuing corner was cleared off the line. Moments later, Frattesi was again denied, this time by a remarkable diving save from Haikin, underlining the visiting keeper’s excellent form.
Despite intense pressure, Bodo/Glimt produced their first significant effort in the 36th minute. Hakon Evjen’s header required swift intervention from Yann Sommer, who scrambled to keep the ball out, hinting at the visitors’ threat on the break.
Second Half: Bodo/Glimt Seize Their Moment
After the interval, Inter continued to press but left themselves exposed at the back. On the stroke of the hour, a lapse from Manuel Akanji in his own half was punished when Ole Blomberg seized possession. His strike was blocked by Sommer, but Jens Petter Hauge reacted quickly to slot home the rebound, stunning the home crowd into silence.
Akanji nearly redeemed himself when he met Dimarco’s pass and struck the left post, but luck deserted the Italian side as the ball stayed out. Their hopes were all but extinguished in the 72nd minute: Hauge turned provider with an incisive through ball that released Evjen, who composed himself before drilling a shot beyond Sommer to double the visitors’ lead on the night.
Inter briefly rallied as Alessandro Bastoni guided home from close range, but the deficit was insurmountable. Bodo/Glimt managed the closing stages with composure and minimal threat to their advantage.
Historic Progress and Notable Performances
Remarkably, Bodo/Glimt had never celebrated a Champions League match victory prior to January. Their latest triumph marks a fourth straight win and ensures their name will be in Friday’s draw for the round of 16. In comparison, Inter’s elimination marks their first failure to reach the last 16 since the 2020/21 campaign, though the club still pursues domestic silverware in Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
Match Statistics
| Team | Score | Aggregate Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inter | 1 | 2 | – |
| Bodo/Glimt | 2 | 5 |
