Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt produced a major upset in this season’s UEFA Champions League, defeating Inter 2-1 at the San Siro and sealing a remarkable 5-2 aggregate victory to eliminate the Italian giants at the playoff stage.
After securing a 3-1 lead in the first leg, Kjetil Knutsen’s side arrived in Milan full of confidence and left having made history. Despite early pressure from Inter, it was the visitors who struck first in the second half.
Jens Hauge opened the scoring in the 58th minute, reacting quickest to a rebound in the area and firing Bodø/Glimt ahead on the night. The goal stunned the home crowd and intensified Inter’s challenge.
Bodø/Glimt doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute, as Hakon Evjen clinically finished into the bottom corner after being released by a superb lofted pass from Hauge. With a 2-0 lead on the night and a 5-1 aggregate advantage, the tie was effectively decided.
Inter pressed for a comeback, with Federico Dimarco and Davide Frattesi missing good chances and Manuel Akanji hitting the post. Alessandro Bastoni managed to pull one back in the 76th minute, bundling the ball home from close range, but it was no more than a consolation.
Goalkeeper Nikita Haikin was key to Bodø/Glimt’s success, making several composed saves, including crucial interventions from Dimarco’s free-kick and a Francesco Pio Esposito header.
The Norwegian defense, organized and disciplined, withstood a late barrage of corners and aerial attacks, repelling Inter’s final push.
Although Inter controlled possession for much of the match, they lacked a clinical edge in front of goal, squandering a series of promising opportunities. Marcus Thuram’s late header drifting over the bar summed up a frustrating evening for the hosts.
At the final whistle, Bodø/Glimt celebrated a landmark European achievement, knocking out one of Italy’s most storied clubs with tactical discipline and authority over the two legs.
