FK Bodø/Glimt produced one of the biggest shocks in recent UEFA Champions League history, eliminating three-time European champions Inter Milan with a 2-1 second-leg victory at San Siro to complete an emphatic 5-2 aggregate triumph. The result saw FK Bodø/Glimt become the first Norwegian side since 1987 to progress from a knockout stage in Europe’s elite competition.
The iconic San Siro had staged the Winter Olympics opening ceremony earlier this month, and the Arctic visitors arrived in confident mood after their commanding first-leg performance. Inter faced a daunting challenge, needing to win a Champions League knockout match by at least three clear goals for the first time in their history. The Italian giants began with urgency, nearly making the perfect start inside three minutes. Federico Dimarco’s floated delivery found Sebastiano Esposito, whose header drifted narrowly over the bar.
For much of the first half, the home side dominated possession and territory. Davide Frattesi tested goalkeeper Nikita Haikin with a header, while Dimarco’s powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area forced another strong save. From the resulting corner, Frattesi thought he had broken the deadlock, only to see his near-post effort cleared off the line. The midfielder remained a constant threat, but Haikin’s sharp reflexes again denied him with a superb diving stop.
Despite sustained pressure, the Norwegian champions remained composed and disciplined. Their first meaningful chance arrived in the 36th minute when Håkon Evjen rose to meet a cross, forcing Yann Sommer into a scrambling save. It was a reminder that the visitors carried danger of their own.
Inter resumed their attacking momentum after the interval, yet their frustration grew as Bodø/Glimt defended with organisation and resilience. Just before the hour mark, the tie took a dramatic turn. A lapse in concentration from Manuel Akanji in possession allowed Ole Blomberg to intercept and drive forward. His effort was parried by Sommer, but Jens Petter Hauge reacted quickest to convert from close range and silence the home crowd.
Akanji nearly atoned moments later, striking the left post after meeting Dimarco’s cutback. However, Inter’s hopes of a comeback faded in the 72nd minute when Hauge produced a precise through ball that split the defence. Evjen showed composure, taking a steadying touch before finishing past Sommer to effectively seal the contest.
Although Alessandro Bastoni pulled a goal back from close range soon after, the response came too late to alter the outcome. Bodø/Glimt controlled the closing stages with maturity, limiting Inter’s chances and securing a historic progression.
The achievement marked a remarkable milestone for the Norwegian champions, who had never won a Champions League match before January. Their fourth consecutive victory in the competition sends them into the last-16 draw with growing belief. For Inter, the disappointment of elimination ends their European ambitions for this season, though their pursuit of domestic success in Serie A and the Coppa Italia remains firmly on track.
