A remarkable story has unfolded in the 2026 UEFA Champions League as Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt shocked the football world by defeating last season’s finalist Inter Milan in both legs of their playoff encounter. The underdog team, hailing from the small port city of Bode, advanced to the round of 16 for the first time in their 110-year history, capturing the imagination of fans and analysts across Europe. Their victories, including a 3-1 home win and a 2-1 away triumph in Italy, have been hailed as one of the most significant upsets in recent Champions League memory, highlighting the unpredictable magic of football’s elite competition.RIA Novosti+2
Bodo/Glimt’s campaign saw them overcome not only Inter Milan but also other European giants such as Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in earlier rounds. The first leg against Inter ended 3-1 in Norway, with goalkeeper Nikita Haikin playing a pivotal role. The return leg in Milan saw Bodo/Glimt secure a 2-1 victory, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate win. These results have been described as monumental, especially given Inter’s status as last year’s Champions League finalists and the Norwegian club’s modest resources.Radio France Internationale+2
This achievement marks the first time in Bodo/Glimt’s 110-year existence that they have reached the Champions League round of 16. The club’s rise has been characterized by disciplined teamwork, strategic planning, and a fearless approach against Europe’s elite. Their success is seen as a testament to the potential of smaller clubs to disrupt established hierarchies in football, inspiring fans and smaller teams across the continent.Chosun Ilbo+2
The Champions League knockout stage has featured several notable performances, but Bodo/Glimt’s triumph stands out. Alongside their victories, other matches included Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-0 win over Olympiakos and a thrilling 3-3 draw between Bruges and Atlético Madrid. Analysts have praised Bodo/Glimt’s tactical discipline and highlighted the contributions of players like Nikita Haikin, while also noting the disappointment for Inter Milan, whose path to the next round is now blocked by the Norwegian upstarts.Der Spiegel+2