The “Yellow Horde” has done it again. On Tuesday night, February 24, 2026, Bodo/Glimt—a club based 70 miles inside the Arctic Circle—produced one of the most remarkable results in modern football history. By defeating Inter Milan 2-1 at the San Siro, the Norwegian side secured a 5-2 aggregate victory to reach the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
The San Siro Masterclass: How the ‘Superlaget’ Won
Entering the second leg with a 3-1 lead from the Arctic first leg, Kjetil Knutsen’s side faced a daunting task against last season’s runners-up. Despite Inter’s 10-point lead at the top of Serie A, Bodo/Glimt remained composed and clinical.
- Hauge’s Revenge: In the 58th minute, former AC Milan winger Jens Petter Hauge pounced on a rebound after a mistake by Manuel Akanji to give the visitors the lead.
- The Clincher: Håkon Evjen silenced the home crowd in the 72nd minute with a powerful strike, making it 5-1 on aggregate and putting the tie beyond doubt.
- The Resistance: Although Alessandro Bastoni pulled one back for Inter, it was nothing more than a consolation. Bodo/Glimt’s defense, led by goalkeeper Nikita Haikin, held firm to seal the historic win.
Defying the Odds: A 0.3% Chance Turned Reality
What makes this success staggering is that Bodo/Glimt are currently in their off-season. At the start of January, data analysts at Opta gave them just a 0.3% chance of advancing after they managed only three points from their first six league phase matches.
However, the team transformed their campaign with a “Giant-Killing” streak that has reshaped European football:
- Manchester City: Defeated 3-1 in Bodø.
- Atletico Madrid: Defeated 2-1 at the Metropolitano.
- Inter Milan: Defeated twice (3-1 and 2-1) in the playoff round.
First Norwegian Success Since 1997
Bodo/Glimt are the first Norwegian side to reach the Champions League knockout stages since Rosenborg reached the quarter-finals in 1997. They also become the first team from outside Europe’s “Top Five” leagues to win four straight games against those leagues since the legendary Ajax side of 1971-72.
“Can you believe it? A team from a small town up north. It’s unbelievable,” said manager Kjetil Knutsen. “This isn’t just a win for Bodo; it’s a win for every underdog in the world.”
What’s Next: Round of 16 Draw
The draw for the Round of 16 takes place this Friday, February 27. As a playoff winner, Bodo/Glimt will face one of the top eight seeded teams. They are already confirmed to face either Manchester City (again) or Portugal’s Sporting CP.
