Norwegian underdogs reach Champions League last 16
Bodo/Glimt have produced one of the biggest upsets in Champions League history by eliminating three-time winners Inter Milan. The Norwegian side, based 70 miles inside the Arctic Circle, completed a 5-2 aggregate victory with a resolute 2-1 win in Milan.
Despite holding a 3-1 lead from the first leg, Bodo faced a daunting task against Inter, who reached the final just nine months earlier. The Norwegians repelled early attacks before striking twice through Jens Petter Hauge and Hakon Evjen to secure their place in the last 16.
They will face either Manchester City or Sporting in the next round. Coach Kjetil Knutsen called it a historical moment for Bodo and Norwegian football. Hauge, who once played at AC Milan, added it sounds unreal but they are among the last teams standing.
Statistics highlight brilliant Bodo run
Bodo/Glimt are the first Norwegian side to progress in a Champions League knockout tie and the first overall in the European Cup since Lillestrom in 1987-88.
They are the first team from outside Europe’s big five leagues to win four consecutive games against opponents from those leagues since Ajax in 1971-72, who went on to win the competition.
Jens Petter Hauge has scored six goals in the Champions League this season, the most by any Norwegian player for a Norwegian club in a single edition.
From Arctic Circle to San Siro success
The fairytale continued despite failing to win their first six league phase games. Bodo needed wins over Manchester City and Atletico Madrid to reach the play-offs and delivered both. They beat City 3-1 and Atleti 2-1 in Madrid.
Last season they reached the Europa League semi-finals, becoming the first Norwegian club to go that far in a major European competition. Their home games are notoriously tough due to cold, snow, wind and an artificial pitch that opponents struggle with.
They have beaten Roma 6-1, Celtic, Besiktas, Porto and Lazio in recent years. Manchester City will not relish another meeting if drawn together.
Captain Patrick Berg called it unbelievable for the club and city. Knutsen said he hopes this shows that if a small town team can do it, anyone can. The vocal fans in yellow made themselves heard at San Siro.
This run provides hope to every small club in UEFA competitions. For Bodo, the journey into the unknown continues with belief and determination.
