BODØ, Norway – In a stunning upset, Bodø/Glimt defeated Champions League runner-up Inter Milan 3-1 in the first leg of their playoff match on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Aspmyra Stadion. The Norwegian side, which has already claimed victories against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid this season, now holds a significant advantage heading into the return leg in Milan.
The victory marks another remarkable chapter in Bodø/Glimt’s unexpected Champions League journey. Their ability to consistently overcome higher-ranked opponents has captivated football fans and raised questions about the evolving landscape of European competition. According to football expert Bernt Hulsker, “This is the most brutal run a Norwegian club has ever gone on. The sickest we have seen. They are rounding off the best teams in Europe.”
Glimt Takes Early Lead, Inter Responds
Sondre Brunstad Fet opened the scoring for Bodø/Glimt in the 20th minute, sending the home crowd into raptures. However, Inter quickly responded with a goal from Francesco Pio Esposito in the 30th minute, leveling the score. The first half ended 1-1, setting the stage for a dramatic second half. Adding to the excitement, Fet celebrated his goal with a surprise announcement – revealing he and his partner are expecting a child, a secret he had kept from his teammates until that moment.
Jostein Gundersen shared his surprise, stating, “I had to congratulate him in the break. He hadn’t said anything to us. And certainly not to me. It was a nice surprise. I need to ask when the due date is.” Odin Bjørtuft echoed the sentiment, playfully admitting he was initially unsure if Fet was joking. “I was taken aback and had to ask him: Is that true? Is that true? It wasn’t just a joke, it would have been a good joke, if you ask me, but it was fun. Then we had something else to focus on during the game,” Bjørtuft said.
Second-Half Goals Seal Victory for Bodø/Glimt
Bodø/Glimt regained the lead in the 61st minute through Jens Petter Hauge, capitalizing on an opportunity to score. Just two minutes later, Kasper Høgh extended their advantage to 3-1, effectively sealing the victory. The quickfire goals left Inter reeling and struggling to contain the Norwegian side’s relentless attack.
The match statistics reflect Bodø/Glimt’s dominance, with the final score standing at 3-1. The goals were scored by Sondre Brunstad Fet (20’), Francesco Pio Esposito (30’), Jens Petter Hauge (61’) and Kasper Høgh (64’). Daniel Siebert of Germany served as the match referee. ESPN provides a detailed match report.
Cautious Optimism from Bodø/Glimt Manager
Despite the impressive result, Bodø/Glimt manager Frode Thomassen remained measured in his assessment. “No, it’s two games. You have to manage it over two games. But it’s a perfectly okay performance today. We’ll take that with us when we go to Milan. But it’s only half the job to get through,” he stated. He emphasized the need for continued focus and determination as they prepare for the challenging return leg.
Thomassen added, “We must dare to be brave in that game. We cannot lie low and rely on counterattacks, that would be too passive.”
Inter Faces Uphill Battle in Return Leg
Inter Milan will need to overcome a two-goal deficit when they host Bodø/Glimt at San Siro next Tuesday. The Italian side, currently leading Serie A, will undoubtedly be looking to avenge this defeat and secure their place in the Champions League. According to a report from Football Italia, Inter “capitulated in the second-half” and face a demanding task in the return leg.
The return leg promises to be a fiercely contested encounter, with Bodø/Glimt aiming to complete a historic upset and Inter determined to demonstrate their European pedigree. The outcome will determine which team advances to the next stage of the Champions League.
What comes next for both teams will be defined by their performance in Milan. Bodø/Glimt will aim to replicate their home form, while Inter will need to rediscover their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. The second leg is poised to be a pivotal moment in both clubs’ seasons.
What are your thoughts on Bodø/Glimt’s incredible run? Share your predictions for the return leg in the comments below!
