Bodo/Glimt delivered a stunning upset in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff against Inter Milan, defeating the Serie A leaders 3-1 at the Aspmyra Stadion on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The Norwegian side, already a surprise contender in this year’s competition, continued their fairytale run with a dominant performance against last season’s Champions League runner-up.
The result represents a significant setback for Inter Milan, who were seeking a seventh consecutive win across all competitions. The Nerazzurri, currently leading Serie A, will now face a challenging second leg at the San Siro next Tuesday, needing to overturn the two-goal deficit to secure their place in the Champions League last 16. This defeat adds to a growing list of high-profile scalps claimed by Bodø/Glimt this season, having previously defeated Manchester City and Atlético Madrid.
Early Lead and Inter Response
Bodø/Glimt opened the scoring in the 20th minute through midfielder Sondre Brunstad Fet, finishing a well-worked move. Inter responded just ten minutes later with a goal from Pio Esposito, leveling the score at 1-1. However, the Norwegian side regained the lead in the second half with a flurry of attacking play.
Second-Half Surge Seals Victory
The home side’s relentless pressure paid off in the 61st minute when Jens Petter Hauge unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner, assisted by Kasper Høgh. Just three minutes later, Høgh added his name to the scoresheet, tapping home a square ball from Ole Didrik Blomberg to extend Bodø/Glimt’s lead to 3-1. The Aspmyra Stadion, with a capacity of 8,000, erupted in celebration as the Norwegian team moved closer to a historic Champions League qualification.
Inter struggled to contain Bodø/Glimt’s quick passing and unselfish play, with both Hauge and Høgh highlighting the team’s cohesive attacking style. Høgh, after scoring, celebrated by kicking the corner flag, expressing his joy at contributing to the team’s success. “I feel amazing, just thankful to play with this team. I’m happy that I could help the team by making assists and scoring a goal. I play in a good team, so that’s nice,” Høgh said, according to ESPN.
Match Details and Key Stats
The match took place at the Aspmyra Stadion in Bodø, Norway, and kicked off at 20:00 UTC. Sofascore provides detailed match statistics, including lineups and player ratings. Inter’s attempts to break down the Bodø/Glimt defense were thwarted by a strong defensive performance and inspired goalkeeping from Nikita Haikin. Both Lautaro Martinez and Darmian hit the post for Inter, highlighting their frustration in front of goal.
Here’s a look at the goals from the match:
- 20′ – Sondre Brunstad Fet (Bodø/Glimt)
- 30′ – Pio Esposito (Inter Milan)
- 61′ – Jens Petter Hauge (Bodø/Glimt)
- 64′ – Kasper Høgh (Bodø/Glimt)
Inter’s Struggles and Second Leg Outlook
Inter Milan, despite their domestic dominance in Serie A, appeared uncharacteristically vulnerable against Bodø/Glimt’s energetic and well-organized attack. The freezing conditions at the Aspmyra Stadion also presented a challenge for the Italian side, according to Inter.it. The second leg at the San Siro will be a crucial test for Cristian Chivu’s team, who will need to demonstrate a significant improvement in performance to overcome the 3-1 deficit and advance to the Champions League round of 16.
The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and will undoubtedly be a highly anticipated encounter. Bodø/Glimt will be looking to complete a remarkable upset, while Inter will aim to leverage their home advantage and secure their place among Europe’s elite.
What comes next is a crucial second leg at the San Siro, where Inter will need to demonstrate resilience and tactical adjustments to overcome the two-goal deficit. The outcome of this tie will significantly impact Inter’s Champions League ambitions and further cement Bodø/Glimt’s reputation as a formidable opponent. Share your thoughts on this stunning result and the upcoming second leg in the comments below!
