In one of the most spectacular Champions League upsets in recent memory, Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt eliminated last season’s finalists Inter Milan with a stunning 2-1 victory at San Siro on Tuesday. The Arctic Circle club secured their passage to the last 16 with a commanding 5-2 aggregate triumph, defying all expectations against the Serie A leaders.
The Norwegian outfit, hailing from a town of approximately 50,000 residents north of the Arctic Circle, built upon their impressive 3-1 first-leg victory with a tactical masterclass in Milan. Despite Inter’s dominance in Serie A where they hold a 10-point advantage, the Italian giants were unable to break down Bodo/Glimt’s resilient defense.
Former AC Milan player Jens Petter Hauge broke the deadlock just before the hour mark, capitalizing on a defensive error from Manuel Akanji. The advantage was doubled when Hakon Evjen found the net, effectively sealing the tie at 5-1 on aggregate. Although Alessandro Bastoni managed a consolation goal for Inter, it proved insufficient to prevent one of Europe’s most remarkable underdog stories from continuing.
Bodo/Glimt’s achievement marks the first time a Norwegian club has reached the Champions League knockout stages since Rosenborg’s quarter-final appearance in 1997. The club, which has won four Eliteserien titles in the past five years, now awaits Friday’s draw where they will face either Sporting Lisbon or Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United secured their progression with a 3-2 home victory over Qarabag, completing a 9-3 aggregate triumph. Eddie Howe’s side established an early two-goal advantage through Sandro Tonali and Joelinton within the opening six minutes, ensuring six English clubs will feature in the next round.
Atletico Madrid advanced comfortably with a 4-1 win against Club Brugge at the Metropolitano Stadium, progressing 7-4 on aggregate. Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth emerged as the standout performer with a spectacular hat-trick, taking his seasonal tally to 15 goals across all competitions.
Bayer Leverkusen completed the round of 16 qualifiers with a goalless draw against Olympiacos, building on their 2-0 first-leg advantage. The newly crowned German champions now await a formidable challenge against either Arsenal or Bayern Munich.