Bodø/Glimt Stun Inter Milan to Reach Champions League Last 16.
The UEFA Champions League Knockout Round Play-offs second leg: Inter Milan 1-2 Bodø/Glimt (2-5 on aggregate), played on February 24, 2026, at the iconic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) in Milan.
In one of the greatest upsets in Champions League history, Norwegian underdogs Bodø/Glimt stunned three-time winners and last season's finalists Inter Milan, becoming the first Norwegian club to advance past a knockout tie in Europe's elite competition since 1987-88 (Lillestrøm). Jens Petter Hauge's goal and assist sealed a famous 5-2 aggregate triumph, propelling Bodø/Glimt into the last 16 for the first time ever.
Match Summary
Final Score (Second Leg): Inter Milan 1-2 Bodø/Glimt
Aggregate Score: Inter Milan 2-5 Bodø/Glimt
Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan
Attendance: 70,441
Date: February 24, 2026
Key Scorers:
Inter Milan: A. Bastoni (76')
Bodø/Glimt: J. Hauge (58'), H. Evjen (72')
Assists:
Inter: A. Bonny (76')
Bodø/Glimt: J. Hauge (72')
After a shock 3-1 first-leg win in Norway (where Bodø/Glimt capitalized on second-half chaos), Inter needed a comeback at home. But Bodø/Glimt's disciplined defense, clinical counter-attacks, and heroics from Hauge turned the San Siro into a theater of dreams for the visitors—and a nightmare for the Nerazzurri.
Bodø/Glimt, still in their off-season rhythm, had already beaten giants like Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in the group stage. This victory adds Inter to their list of scalps, cementing their status as giant-killers in the 2025-26 campaign.
First Half: Inter Dominate, But Bodø Hold Firm
Cristian Chivu's Inter started with ferocious intensity, desperate to overturn the two-goal deficit. They controlled possession (around 65%) and bombarded the Bodø goal. Federico Dimarco curled a dangerous effort that Nikita Haikin tipped over early, and Davide Frattesi's goalbound strike was brilliantly saved by the Russian keeper.
Bodø/Glimt, under Kjetil Knutsen, absorbed pressure masterfully. Their high defensive line and compact midfield frustrated Inter's build-up. Despite waves of attacks—crosses from Dimarco and wing play from Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez—clear chances were scarce. Haikin was immense, commanding his box and distributing quickly to launch counters.
Half-time arrived 0-0 (aggregate 1-3). Inter had peppered the goal but lacked the killer touch. Bodø/Glimt's resilience hinted at more drama ahead.
Bodo/Glimt: 'Historical moment' as Norwegian side reach last 16 against all odds.
Second Half: Hauge Strikes, Evjen Seals It, Bastoni's Late Reply
The game exploded in the 58th minute. Manuel Akanji's loose touch gifted possession to Ole Didrik Blomberg, who charged into the box. His shot was superbly saved by Yann Sommer, but Jens Petter Hauge—returning to haunt Milan after his tough AC Milan stint—volleyed the rebound home. The San Siro fell silent; Inter players dropped to the turf in disbelief. Hauge's sixth UCL goal of the season (a record for a Norwegian in one edition for a Norwegian club) made it 0-1 (1-4 agg), turning the tie into a mountain.
Inter pushed desperately. Akanji hit the post in redemption, but Bodø/Glimt struck again in the 72nd. Hauge delivered a pinpoint cross; Håkon Evjen controlled and rifled past Sommer for 0-2 (1-5 agg). The Norwegian contingent in the stands erupted—this was history in the making.
Alessandro Bastoni gave Inter faint hope in the 76th, scrambling home after a Bonny assist to make it 1-2 (2-5 agg). But Bodø/Glimt held firm in the closing stages, repelling late pressure to secure progression.
Tactical Insights and Standout Performances
Knutsen's Bodø/Glimt executed a perfect away plan: high press when possible, deep block otherwise, lethal on transitions. Hauge was Player of the Match—goal, assist, tireless work. Haikin’s saves were crucial, while Evjen's finish showed composure. The team’s unity and belief shone through.
Inter, Serie A leaders by 10 points, lacked ruthlessness. Akanji's error proved costly; the attack created but couldn't convert. Sommer made saves, but defensive lapses exposed vulnerabilities.
This upset echoes Bodø/Glimt's group-stage heroics, proving their high-octane style thrives against elite sides.
Historical Significance
Bodø/Glimt become the first Norwegian club to reach the UCL last 16 in the modern era (post-1992). It's their greatest achievement, surpassing domestic dominance and group-stage wins over City and Atlético. Inter, finalists last season, suffer a shock exit— their first early knockout loss in years.
They await Manchester City or Sporting in the last 16—a dream draw for the Norwegians.
Post-Match Reactions
Knutsen called it a "historical moment" for Norwegian football. Hauge: "Coming back to Milan and winning here—unbelievable." Inter's Chivu admitted: "We created chances but paid for mistakes. Credit to Bodø—they deserved it."
Fans hailed it an "earthquake in European football."
Looking Ahead
Bodø/Glimt's fairy tale continues. For Inter, questions loom over their European form despite domestic strength. This night at San Siro will be remembered as one of UCL's biggest shocks.
Match Summary
Final Score (Second Leg): Inter Milan 1-2 Bodø/Glimt
Aggregate Score: Inter Milan 2-5 Bodø/Glimt
Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan
Attendance: 70,441
Date: February 24, 2026
Key Scorers:
Inter Milan: A. Bastoni (76')
Bodø/Glimt: J. Hauge (58'), H. Evjen (72')
Assists:
Inter: A. Bonny (76')
Bodø/Glimt: J. Hauge (72')
After a shock 3-1 first-leg win in Norway (where Bodø/Glimt capitalized on second-half chaos), Inter needed a comeback at home. But Bodø/Glimt's disciplined defense, clinical counter-attacks, and heroics from Hauge turned the San Siro into a theater of dreams for the visitors—and a nightmare for the Nerazzurri.
Bodø/Glimt, still in their off-season rhythm, had already beaten giants like Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in the group stage. This victory adds Inter to their list of scalps, cementing their status as giant-killers in the 2025-26 campaign.
First Half: Inter Dominate, But Bodø Hold Firm
Cristian Chivu's Inter started with ferocious intensity, desperate to overturn the two-goal deficit. They controlled possession (around 65%) and bombarded the Bodø goal. Federico Dimarco curled a dangerous effort that Nikita Haikin tipped over early, and Davide Frattesi's goalbound strike was brilliantly saved by the Russian keeper.
Bodø/Glimt, under Kjetil Knutsen, absorbed pressure masterfully. Their high defensive line and compact midfield frustrated Inter's build-up. Despite waves of attacks—crosses from Dimarco and wing play from Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez—clear chances were scarce. Haikin was immense, commanding his box and distributing quickly to launch counters.
Half-time arrived 0-0 (aggregate 1-3). Inter had peppered the goal but lacked the killer touch. Bodø/Glimt's resilience hinted at more drama ahead.
Bodo/Glimt: 'Historical moment' as Norwegian side reach last 16 against all odds.
Second Half: Hauge Strikes, Evjen Seals It, Bastoni's Late Reply
The game exploded in the 58th minute. Manuel Akanji's loose touch gifted possession to Ole Didrik Blomberg, who charged into the box. His shot was superbly saved by Yann Sommer, but Jens Petter Hauge—returning to haunt Milan after his tough AC Milan stint—volleyed the rebound home. The San Siro fell silent; Inter players dropped to the turf in disbelief. Hauge's sixth UCL goal of the season (a record for a Norwegian in one edition for a Norwegian club) made it 0-1 (1-4 agg), turning the tie into a mountain.
Inter pushed desperately. Akanji hit the post in redemption, but Bodø/Glimt struck again in the 72nd. Hauge delivered a pinpoint cross; Håkon Evjen controlled and rifled past Sommer for 0-2 (1-5 agg). The Norwegian contingent in the stands erupted—this was history in the making.
Alessandro Bastoni gave Inter faint hope in the 76th, scrambling home after a Bonny assist to make it 1-2 (2-5 agg). But Bodø/Glimt held firm in the closing stages, repelling late pressure to secure progression.
Tactical Insights and Standout Performances
Knutsen's Bodø/Glimt executed a perfect away plan: high press when possible, deep block otherwise, lethal on transitions. Hauge was Player of the Match—goal, assist, tireless work. Haikin’s saves were crucial, while Evjen's finish showed composure. The team’s unity and belief shone through.
Inter, Serie A leaders by 10 points, lacked ruthlessness. Akanji's error proved costly; the attack created but couldn't convert. Sommer made saves, but defensive lapses exposed vulnerabilities.
This upset echoes Bodø/Glimt's group-stage heroics, proving their high-octane style thrives against elite sides.
Historical Significance
Bodø/Glimt become the first Norwegian club to reach the UCL last 16 in the modern era (post-1992). It's their greatest achievement, surpassing domestic dominance and group-stage wins over City and Atlético. Inter, finalists last season, suffer a shock exit— their first early knockout loss in years.
They await Manchester City or Sporting in the last 16—a dream draw for the Norwegians.
Post-Match Reactions
Knutsen called it a "historical moment" for Norwegian football. Hauge: "Coming back to Milan and winning here—unbelievable." Inter's Chivu admitted: "We created chances but paid for mistakes. Credit to Bodø—they deserved it."
Fans hailed it an "earthquake in European football."
Looking Ahead
Bodø/Glimt's fairy tale continues. For Inter, questions loom over their European form despite domestic strength. This night at San Siro will be remembered as one of UCL's biggest shocks.
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