What Happened
Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt achieved a historic upset by eliminating last season’s Champions League finalists, Inter Milan, with a 5-2 aggregate score in the knockout play-off round. After a 3-1 defeat in the first leg, Inter faced a daunting task in the second leg at the San Siro, ultimately losing 2-1. Goals from Jens Petter Hauge and Hakon Evjen secured Bodo’s advancement to the last 16 for the first time.
Why It Matters
This defeat marks a significant moment in Champions League history, as Bodo/Glimt becomes the first Norwegian club to reach the knockout stages since Lillestrom in the 1987-88 season. Despite being three-time European champions and leading Serie A, Inter’s exit raises questions about their performance and adaptability, particularly in challenging conditions, such as the artificial pitch and sub-zero temperatures experienced in Norway.
What’s Next
Bodo/Glimt will advance to face either Manchester City or Sporting CP in the next round. Meanwhile, Inter Milan must regroup and reassess their strategies as they continue their domestic campaign, aiming to maintain their lead in Serie A while reflecting on their disappointing European exit.
