In a stunning upset in the UEFA Champions League play-offs, Inter Milan has been eliminated by Norwegian side FK Bodø/Glimt. The aggregate score of 5-2 in favor of Bodø/Glimt marks a significant achievement for the Norwegian club and a disappointing exit for the Italian giants, who were finalists in the competition last season. The second leg, played on February 24, 2026, at the Stadio San Siro, ended in a 2-1 victory for Bodø/Glimt, solidifying their advancement to the last 16 of the Champions League.
Inter entered the match trailing 3-1 from the first leg in Norway, and despite a home advantage, they were unable to overcome the deficit. The Nerazzurri faced further challenges with injuries to key players, including Lautaro Martinez, who sustained a soleus injury in the first leg and will be sidelined for approximately a month. Hakan Calhanoglu was also unavailable, adding to Inter’s difficulties. Despite the return of Denzel Dumfries to the bench after recovering from an ankle surgery that kept him out since November 9, Inter struggled to identify the back of the net consistently.
Bodø/Glimt, having a full squad available after a training retreat in Spain, proved to be a formidable opponent. They have focused exclusively on Champions League football since September 26, a schedule that appears to have benefitted their performance. Jens Petter Hauge and Hakon Evjen scored the decisive goals for the Norwegian side in the second leg, stunning the San Siro crowd. Alessandro Bastoni scored a late goal for Inter, but it proved insufficient to spark a comeback.
Bodø/Glimt’s Historic Run
This victory represents the greatest achievement in Bodø/Glimt’s history, as they become the first club outside of Europe’s top five leagues to secure four Champions League wins in a row. More than 3,000 Bodø/Glimt fans traveled to Milan to support their team, a remarkable turnout for a club representing a city with a population of around 50,000. The atmosphere at the San Siro saw over 20,000 more people present than the population of Bodø itself.
The match saw several near misses for Inter in the first half, with Francesco Pio Esposito heading a Federico Dimarco cross just over the bar and Dimarco’s curler being acrobatically saved by Nikita Haikin. Marcus Thuram also came close, with a shot deflected inches past the post. Despite the pressure, Inter failed to convert their chances, and Bodø/Glimt capitalized in the second half.
Inter’s Disappointment and Italian Football’s Struggles
Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella acknowledged the team’s disappointment, stating, “The hardest thing to do today was to open the scoring and we weren’t able to do it. You can only congratulate them, they beat us twice, so they deserved to go through.” The elimination is a significant blow for Inter and for Italian football as a whole, with all four Serie A clubs facing potential elimination from the Champions League. Juventus and Atalanta trail Galatasaray and Borussia Dortmund, respectively, in their own ties, with limited prospects of advancing.
Denzel Dumfries made his return to the Inter squad, appearing on the bench for the first time since November 9 following ankle surgery. However, his presence wasn’t enough to turn the tide. Former AC Milan forward Jens Petter Hauge, who scored for Bodø/Glimt, expressed his faith in the project, saying, “I have faith in this project and we’re showing it in the Champion League.”
What’s Next for Bodø/Glimt and Inter?
Bodø/Glimt will now face either Manchester City or Sporting of Portugal in the last 16 of the Champions League. Inter, meanwhile, will require to regroup and focus on domestic competitions. The defeat raises questions about their performance in Europe and the need for adjustments in their strategy. The club will also be monitoring the recovery of key players like Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu as they navigate the remainder of the season.
This Champions League upset serves as a reminder of the growing competitiveness of European football and the potential for unexpected results. Bodø/Glimt’s success story is a testament to their dedication and tactical prowess, and their journey in the Champions League is one to watch.
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