Bodø/Glimt Triumph in Champions League Shocker at San Siro

Published: 26 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Bodø/Glimt have delivered a shock Champions League victory that will be remembered for years.

The Norwegian side produced a performance of stunning quality at San Siro, leaving Inter Milan bewildered. Bodø/Glimt’s 2-1 win on the night, completing a 5-2 aggregate triumph, confirmed their progress to the knockout stages. Inter had dominated Serie A all season, leading the table by ten points and remaining undefeated since November. Yet against the disciplined and energetic Norwegian team, they looked disjointed and vulnerable throughout both legs.

After the final whistle, Bodø/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen and Inter’s Cristian Chivu were seen talking, Chivu appearing fascinated but thoroughly bemused by the outcome. It was a moment of mutual respect, yet it underlined the disbelief surrounding Inter’s elimination. Nicolò Barella, reflecting on the defeat, acknowledged that Inter struggled to create meaningful chances against a side defending with intelligence and precision. “We didn’t really manage to challenge them tonight. The hardest thing was to create an opening. We didn’t manage to and congratulations to Bodø/Glimt – they won both games and deserved to go through,” he said.

Bodø/Glimt’s rise to Champions League prominence has been rapid and remarkable, demonstrating adaptability and ambition. The club won its first Norwegian league title only in 2020, followed by a Conference League quarter-final run in 2021-22, and last season’s Europa League semi-finals. Despite being newcomers to Europe’s elite competition, they have consistently displayed tactical awareness and composure, blending youthful energy with structured organisation. Their victory over Manchester City at home, followed by an away triumph against Atlético Madrid, signalled their arrival as a serious European contender.

In the San Siro clash, Bodø/Glimt executed a compact first half, frustrating Inter’s attacking intentions. The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when Ole Didrik Blomberg pressed Manuel Akanji into an error, won possession, and unleashed a shot that forced goalkeeper Yann Sommer into a sharp save. Jens Petter Hauge, formerly of Milan, capitalised on the rebound to open the scoring, sending shockwaves through the Italian crowd. Confidence surged through the Norwegian side, and their second goal demonstrated exquisite teamwork and clinical execution. A swift passing sequence from their own half culminated in Hauge curling a cross to Håkon Evjen, who deftly controlled the ball before finishing with precision.

The players were visibly elated after the match. Evjen described the experience as surreal, praising the team’s mental and physical resolve. “We have done something crazy,” he told Norwegian TV 2. “It is difficult to describe what we have done. It was an incredible experience and a game where we beat them fair and square – mentally, physically, and everything else there is.” His words captured the magnitude of the achievement, not only for the club but for Norwegian football as a whole.

Italian media struggled to explain the scale of the upset. La Gazzetta dello Sport ran the headline “No Excuses,” noting Inter’s predictable play and limited attacking threat. Veteran commentator Fabio Capello criticised Inter’s passing and lack of dribbling, observing that their team struggled to create any real danger. “I saw an Inter that was way too slow in all of their passing. Completely without speed,” Capello remarked. “They tried to create openings centrally but did not manage it. No Inter player managed to dribble past their opponent.”

In Norway, the reaction was one of jubilation. VG described the result as historic, claiming that Bodø/Glimt had achieved the most significant success by any Norwegian club in European football history. Viaplay commentator Lars Tjærnås praised the team’s performance, stating, “Glimt eliminate a club who have for 100 years had a doctorate in getting exactly the results they need and are feared by everyone. And then Glimt do not just win but outclass them over two games.” The match is being hailed as a landmark moment, elevating the club’s status and inspiring fans across Norway.

Knutsen remained composed in his post-match interview, emphasising the collective effort behind the team’s success. He highlighted the contributions of coaching staff, medical personnel, and behind-the-scenes workers, recognising that the journey to this point involved meticulous preparation and dedication. “It’s been quite a journey to get where we are now, and there are so many people who have been part of that journey together,” he said. “The team, the coaching staff, the medical department, and all the people working behind the scenes every single day to gain those small margins. There are an incredible number of people behind this.”

Bodø/Glimt’s achievement is even more remarkable considering they are currently between domestic seasons, having concluded their last league match of 2025 on 30 November. Their next domestic fixture is a cup tie against Molde on 7 March, meaning they have maintained form and fitness through focused training and disciplined routines. The club’s Champions League campaign has therefore required strategic planning to maintain sharpness without regular competitive matches, a testament to the team’s preparation and mental strength.

Looking ahead, Bodø/Glimt will discover their next opponent in the last sixteen of the Champions League. Midfielder Patrick Berg expressed confidence regardless of the draw, suggesting that facing Manchester City again would be a welcome challenge. “It doesn’t matter who it is,” he said. “It is always good to face new teams. But if it is City in the end, we are ready for it, even if they won’t want to be beaten again by Bodø/Glimt.” This attitude reflects the ambition and resilience that have defined the club’s journey, and it signals their intent to compete at the highest level.

The Norwegian side’s tactical approach and team cohesion have been pivotal to their European success. Their ability to transition quickly from defence to attack, coupled with precise ball circulation, created constant pressure on superior opponents. The balance of youth and experience in the squad has allowed them to remain disciplined while exploiting individual moments of brilliance. Hauge and Evjen’s contributions exemplify this dynamic, demonstrating composure under pressure and technical quality that belies their relative inexperience.

Bodø/Glimt’s progress in Europe has resonated beyond the footballing community, inspiring smaller clubs that aim to compete on the continental stage. Their story illustrates that strategic planning, intelligent scouting, and a strong club culture can overcome financial disparities and established reputations. Norwegian media have widely celebrated the club, reinforcing the narrative of a team that embodies perseverance, innovation, and collective spirit.

Ultimately, Bodø/Glimt’s victory against Inter is more than a result; it is a defining moment that reshapes perceptions of Norwegian football. The combination of tactical discipline, fearless attacking, and unwavering mental resolve has propelled them into the Champions League spotlight. Their achievement will be remembered as a triumph of preparation, teamwork, and belief, providing a blueprint for emerging clubs across Europe seeking to challenge traditional powers.

The Norwegian side have now set their sights on the knockout stages, aiming to extend their remarkable run further. Whether they face Manchester City or Sporting, Bodø/Glimt’s journey has already captured imaginations worldwide, exemplifying the unpredictable and thrilling nature of European football. As the team continues to defy expectations, their story will be celebrated as one of the most extraordinary campaigns in recent Champions League history.

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