Bodø/Glimt Stun Inter Milan Again to Reach Champions League Last 16

Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt continued their remarkable European ascent by eliminating Italian giants Inter Milan from the UEFA Champions League, sealing a stunning 5–2 aggregate victory to book their place in the last 16.

Kjetil Knutsen’s side completed back-to-back wins over last season’s runners-up, achieving what is widely regarded as the greatest result in the club’s history. The triumph extends their run to four consecutive victories in Europe’s premier club competition.

“I think it’s an amazing evening for the club, for the players, for the town and also for Norwegian football,” said head coach Kjetil Knutsen, who has led the club since 2018.

“We are not talking about goals; we are talking about how to perform and how we can take steps and develop the players and the team. We have our way of doing it, and that’s really important.”

From Arctic Underdogs to European Contenders

Hailing from north of the Arctic Circle, Bodø/Glimt were only promoted to Norway’s top division in 2017 — a league long dominated by Rosenborg BK. Since then, however, they have claimed four league titles in the past six seasons and steadily established themselves as a force domestically and in Europe.

Last season, they became the first Norwegian club to reach the semi-finals of a major European competition with a run to the last four of the UEFA Europa League. Their previous best European performance included a dramatic quarter-final victory on penalties over Lazio, before being knocked out by Tottenham Hotspur.

This campaign, however, has elevated the modestly funded side to new heights. Victories over Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in the final league-phase matches secured their place in the knockout play-offs, setting up their memorable tie against Inter.

Tactical Discipline and Clinical Finishing

Previously regarded as awkward opponents due to their artificial surface and freezing conditions at the 8,200-capacity Aspmyra Stadion, Bodø/Glimt have now demonstrated their ability to perform away from home.

A disciplined defensive display paved the way for decisive counter-attacks, with goals from Jens Petter Hauge and Håkon Evjen punishing Inter’s errors. Hauge capitalised on a costly giveaway by Manuel Akanji on the edge of the area, effectively extinguishing the Italians’ hopes.

“I always look forward — that’s how we think. For me, history is not so important,” Knutsen added.

Inter’s European Setback

For Inter — three-time European champions and current favourites for the Serie A title — the defeat represents a significant blow. Despite reaching last season’s final after overcoming Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona, the Italian side were unable to overturn Bodø/Glimt’s advantage.

“We know that the Champions League is very competitive. If a team reaches this stage, it means they are offering something,” said Inter coach Cristian Chivu.

“They showed that in Dortmund, Madrid, against City and twice against us.”

The result compounds a difficult period for Italian football, with Juventus and Atalanta BC also facing uncertain prospects in Europe.

For Bodø/Glimt, meanwhile, a glamour tie against either Manchester City or Sporting CP awaits next month — further evidence that the Arctic underdogs are no longer merely giant-killers, but genuine contenders on the continental stage.